Press Release
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On January 28, 2025, Susana Córdova, Commissioner of Education for Colorado, visited the Holyoke School District, accompanied by two State School Board members, various state officials, and representatives from the Colorado Education Initiative (CEI), Northeast BOCES, and administration from four neighboring school districts. The visit aimed to showcase the impactful work started by the Homegrown Talent Initiative (HTI) grant seven years ago at Holyoke Jr./Sr. High School, where students engage in career exploration and internships, equipping them with essential skills for life after graduation. Superintendent Kyle Stumpf, Counselor Summer Kreider, Chastity Shaffer, Jr./Sr. High Counselor, and Sam Distefano, Dean of Students, presented about the journey over the past seven years. Both students and staff shared testimonials, emphasizing how hands-on experiences, such as obtaining a CDL through collaboration with Northeastern Junior College, prepare them for successful futures.
The visit also underscored the importance of sustainable funding for these progressive programs currently supported by various grants. Tamara Durbin from Northeast Colorado BOCES discussed the need for continuous funding to maintain these initiatives. Business leaders praised the HTI for providing students with opportunities today that were unavailable during their own educational experiences in years past. As the Holyoke School District and BOCES look to the future, they hope to secure sustainable funding to provide the best educational opportunities for all students. Neighboring school district administrations also shared their school success after working with the Holyoke School District and BOCES staff over the past three years to implement unique opportunities in their own districts. This visit marks a significant step in advocating for rural education and ensuring that BOCES and local schools continue to thrive while supporting student success. Please read the full article to learn more about the great work that not only Holyoke students and staff are implementing, but also the majority of the BOCES school districts.
Read the full article here.
