City of Boulder’s Youth Opportunities Program Invites Community to Celebrate Program’s 30th Anniversary

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BOULDER, Colo. – The City of Boulder’s Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) and Youth Opportunities Advisory Board (YOAB) are hosting a 30th anniversary celebration on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Penfield Tate II Municipal Building, 1777 Broadway.

The community at large, past program participants and former board members are invited to join staff and current YOAB board members for this celebration of thirty years of supporting youth in our community.

For the past three decades, the YOP has empowered young people to find their voice, shape their community, and build skills that last a lifetime. The YOP offers Boulder youth opportunities to impact their lives and the lives of their peers through outreach, representation of youth voice in local government, community projects and initiatives, and funding of individual and community grants.

“Programs that empower youth to participate in civic life are an investment in our future,” said Mario Martinez-Varelas, youth opportunities program manager. “Over the years, YOP and YOAB have helped Boulder youth build skills, foster leadership, and create a foundation for the next generation of community leaders.”

Since 1994, YOP has:

• Hosted 30 students for paid internships with the City of Boulder to help youth develop leadership skills and promote youth civic engagement.
• Honored more than 200 Outstanding Youth Volunteers for their service in the local community.
• Supported access to cultural, educational and recreational activities for more than 100,000 youths through an annual grant program.
• Funded youth-serving or -supporting programs in more than 150 schools and organizations.
• Compensated young people for contributing more than 55,000 hours of volunteer service to the community.

The program supports this work through the Youth Opportunities Advisory Board (YOAB), where high school students collaborate to advise city government and drive meaningful initiatives. YOAB encourages civic participation and advocates for youth voices in city planning. Over 450 students have participated in YOAB since 1994.

During the event, keynote speaker Dr. Bianca Gallegos, BVSD Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships and YOAB Alum, will share more about the impact the Youth Opportunities Program has had on the youth of Boulder in the past, present, and future.

RSVPs are encouraged and light refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP online through Evite. For questions, please contact Mario Martinez-Varelas at [email protected].