Where We Work
Where We Work
We work across four key stages in young people’s lives…
We work across four key transitional stages, addressing the social, emotional, and academic challenges our young students face along the way.
Across these stages – from middle school to high school to postsecondary and into a first career – this is where we’re transforming lives. We are combining research with lived experience in order to have a profound impact on the lives of today’s students in need.
Our solution is research-based and informed by lived experiences
The education crisis affects students differently. Our solution – targeted, long-term OST programming through each key transition stage – is adaptable to our students’ needs and helps them succeed on their own terms. We help historically underserved, first-generation postsecondary students travel their paths with intention and tailored, individualized support.
We design and implement our programming based on the following:
- The developmental stage of our students and their accessibility to age-appropriate content
- Student interests, goals, and prior experiences
- The goal of empowering our students’ self-identity and agency as learners
- The proven impact of a long-term commitment to student achievement
Four Key Life Transition Stages:
We work with 6th-8th grade students to help them develop identities as members of the Mile High 360 community who are connected to our mission and committed to their peers. We guide our student members to challenge themselves, to support each other, and to listen and to ask questions of their older, more experienced Mile High 360 peers, getting a peek at what lies ahead.
Join us on a 14-year journey from 6th grade to age 24
Setting a strong foundation in middle school
Leigha challenged herself to train for and complete in the 2023 Steamboat Springs Gravel Grinder bike race with 3,000 other cyclists. She shared that, “I never imagined myself riding with 3,000 other people. I heard other Mile High 360 students talking about the race and what an amazing experience it was and I just wanted to try it."
Strengthening commitment during high school
Ariela is actively planning to become the first member of her family to attend college. Seeing her Mile High 360 peers head off to college led Ariela to proclaim, “I can do that,” when a good friend of hers was accepted to a college out-of-state.
Staying the course in postsecondary education
Angel, a Mile High 360 student who enrolled at Colorado Mesa University, learned that he “belongs” in college but is still shocked at how far he has come. He credits Mile High 360 with “helping me see what I am capable of achieving” and “for helping me address struggles, even when I want to run away from them.”
Early career success in the working world
Victor’s journey with Mile High 360 spans more than half of his life. His professional calling is anchored in a desire to “give back and pay it forward.” He credits Mile High 360 with providing opportunities for him to reimagine what his educational and life potential could be.
Expanding our reach and transforming more lives
As we deepen our impact across these four transitional stages, we are constantly honing our model and improving our approach. We’re working to increase educational opportunities for first-generation postsecondary students to achieve our vision and help accomplish our goal of breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
