At Minds Matter Colorado, we’ve spent the past year listening, learning, and preparing. From our Executive Director’s listening tour to our deep-dive into student outcomes and national trends, one thing became clear: in order to truly level the playing field for MMCO students, we need to evolve.
That’s why we’re excited to share several major programmatic changes launching Fall 2025—changes rooted in equity, excellence, and expanded opportunity.
Sophomore Site Consolidation
Beginning Fall 2025, all incoming sophomores will meet at a single location: George Washington High School, chosen for its central location and accessibility via public transportation.
Academic Support That Meets the Moment
In response to both student feedback and aligning with other Minds Matter chapters, we’re introducing a 90-minute academic instruction block every Monday night. Delivered by Denver Test Prep, this rotating SAT Prep and Writing instruction will bring MMCO in line with new Minds Matter National standards—and more importantly, better prepare students for the rigor of college admissions.
Deeper Mentorship & College Readiness
The other half of Monday night will be dedicated to a 90-minute mentoring block, allowing students and mentors to build strong relationships and focus on key readiness skills—from goal setting to summer program planning to college applications.
By increasing student contact hours by 50% (from 50 to 75 hours annually), we’re not just adding time—we’re adding depth, consistency, and support.
Aurora West Consolidation
Also beginning Fall 2025, all Aurora West programming will move to George Washington HS. Mentees and volunteers have expressed enthusiasm for the move toward consolidation and community. For those with transportation needs, MMCO will offer support through HopSkipDrive—a safe and vetted option for minors.
Expanded College Advising
As part of this transformation, we’re also recruiting dedicated college advisors to provide targeted, one-on-one support to Juniors and Seniors. These advisors will play a vital role in guiding students through the complex college application process—offering expertise on essays, financial aid, scholarship applications, and finding the best-fit institutions. This support will ensure our students have the personalized guidance they need to navigate an increasingly competitive landscape.
Looking Ahead
We believe these changes will lead to:
- Greater peer connection through unified cohorts
- More equitable, consistent staff and volunteer engagement
- Stronger academic outcomes and increased college admissions
- Expanded volunteer roles—including writing tutors and college advisors
As always, thank you for believing in our mission. We can’t wait to take this next step together.
