Ema Lyman is a McKinney Vento specialist and child welfare liaison with Boulder Valley School District and a member of our Board of Directors. Learn about her childhood in Chile, her education journey, and why she’s dedicated to empowering young people through education.

Navigating the future with confidence and the right set of skills is crucial for today’s students. And it’s why we provide access to college and career readiness opportunities, helping Boulder Valley School District students get ahead in their academic and professional journeys.

Starting in 1986, with an initiative to empower educators through mini-grants, we’ve continued to evolve our grant program to meet the ever-changing needs of schools and students. This evolution is a testament to our dedication to creating opportunity for students and leveling the educational playing field.

As we near the end of the year, we’re reflecting on the important work we’ve done to support local students and schools. Our ten most read stories of the year highlight our mission and commitment to providing students access to excellent and equitable education. Thank you for being part of this important work!

We experienced unprecedented growth and change over the last few years—our annual investment in BVSD students has nearly tripled —and we’re grateful to have had the guidance of Social Venture Partners along the way.

From multiplication games to cello strings to unified PE equipment, our Academic Opportunity Fund continues to fill specific needs beyond the traditional classroom budget. The latest funding round provided $80,000 in grants to 74 educators across BVSD and will provide students access to academic support, supplies, technology, class fees, and more.

In today’s ever-evolving workforce, preparing high school students for the challenges and opportunities beyond graduation is more important than ever. Our third annual Career Readiness Academy will provide 75 high school students with knowledge, connections, and resources to help them make informed decisions about their futures.

We’re funding Wellness Centers across Boulder Valley School District because we believe they’re powerful tools for supporting our youth and helping them thrive. Students need support to manage their emotional health. Mental Health Advocates can help teach them how, while the BVSD Wellness Centers give them the space to do so.

Our Board of Directors plays an important role in our work to engage students and empower educators across the Boulder Valley School District. Three new Board Members – Amy Pickens, Bill de la Cruz, and Dan Konigsburg – will support this work and further our mission.