Meet the 2026-2027 Give Pikes Peak Youth Board

We are thrilled to introduce the first class of the Give Pikes Peak Youth Board.

After reviewing a strong group of applications from across El Paso and Teller counties, we have selected eight high school students to make up our inaugural cohort for the 2026-2027 school year.

Why a Youth Board

The Give Pikes Peak Youth Board is a year-long philanthropy leadership program built for high school students who want to get involved. Over the course of the school year, members will learn how philanthropy functions in the Pikes Peak region, hear directly from local nonprofit and business leaders, and lead a youth-driven project connected to the Give! Campaign, our seasonal giving platform that connects donors with more than 70 local nonprofits each year.

We built this program on a simple belief: young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow. They are capable of meaningful civic contribution right now, and the earlier they see themselves as part of the fabric of their community, the stronger that community becomes.

Meet the cohort

Please join us in welcoming the eight students who will make up the 2026-2027 Youth Board:

Grace V., Pine Creek High School

Anushka N., Pine Creek High School

Joseph L., Air Academy High School

Maya M., Rampart High School

Laura H., Colorado Early Colleges Colorado Springs

Victoria H., Colorado Early Colleges Colorado Springs

Trenton S., Palmer Ridge High School

Ayla W., Cheyenne Mountain High School

These students come from different schools, different neighborhoods, and different backgrounds, and that is by design. Strong communities are built across lines, not within them.

What comes next

The program begins in August and runs through May, with members meeting monthly to learn, plan, and lead. We cannot wait to see what this group builds together, and we will be sharing their work throughout the year right here.

To the eight students joining us: welcome. The Pikes Peak region is lucky to have you stepping up.

And to the families, counselors, and mentors who encouraged these students to apply, thank you. You helped make this possible.

Interested in next year?

If you know a rising 10th through 12th grader who cares about where they live and wants to make a difference, keep an eye on this space. Applications for the next cohort will open in the spring. No prior experience is required, and all backgrounds and interests are welcome.

Questions in the meantime? Reach out to us at [email protected].