Alpine Achievers Initiative

Alpine Achievers Initiative supports schools, families, and youth in rural Southern Colorado. Your donation to AAI helps expand out-of-school and nature activities, educational interventions, social and emotional learning programs, staff training, and youth development initiatives in under-resourced schools and communities.

Click here to see our 2023-2024 Impact Report.

AmeriCorps Testimonials

"Many schools depend on AAI; Valley schools are understaffed, and AmeriCorps helps to provide better ratios for kids here, as well as infuse the schools with new energy and passion for young people."

“The day I arrived to school and one my students finally received her glasses. It was a big victory in small form because I had spent the majority of the year working towards getting her tested, in appointments, making sure grant money was found, and that she could finally own them and be able to see, read, and participate in class. I was just a little cog in the shadows of the machine trying to lift her up.” -Berkeley W., 2024-2025 cohort, on her most meaningful experience from service.

“For this program, I wish that people understood how excited the kids are every year to get new AmeriCorps members. A lot of them even recognized the logo and called out that I was an AmeriCorps by name. It was so easy to make connections with the kids… From the first day kids were walking up to me and asking my name and asking me to play with them... They would ask me if I knew previous members by name, and it was so clear from the start that they really connected with the previous members. I feel like it just shows how much they remember and want to have us around.” -Claire G., 2024/2025 cohort

“I love AAI and everything it's given me these last two years. From amazing friendships and experiences to a new job.” -Diamond R., 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 cohorts

“I’m very proud of the work I’ve done and the work we’ve done together as an organization. I’m honored to have been a part of AAI and am a better person because of this experience.” -Lucy D., 2024-2025 cohort

“Thanks so much for the opportunity to live in a completely different part of the country with completely different cultural values and expectations. It was an amazing experience, and I would never trade it for all the world's money/power. It forever changed my life and, more aptly, saved me.” -Joseph A., 2024-2025 cohort

Educator Recruitment and Retention AmeriCorps Member Testimonials

“Yes, the moment when one of my nonverbal students tried so hard to say my name. That day, I saw how important being in the AmeriCorps classes was. They gave me the tools to work with students like this.” -Maria A., an ERR AmeriCorps Member on a transformative experience during service.

“It has changed tremendously. Seeing how many members are servicing in our community is amazing! I have seen members at each of the schools in Salida. I had no idea there were so many members here prior to being a member myself. It’s such a powerful way to help the community.” -Cheryl C., an ERR AmeriCorps Member on whether her viewpoint of service has changed

Valley to Valley Homeschool Program Parents Testimonials

“The program helped provide my daughter social skills and more readiness for the upcoming school year! She truly enjoyed the program!”

“Alpine Achievers provided opportunities for my kids that we never thought of doing or couldn’t afford. The staff is absolutely amazing, and I felt confident entrusting my kids with them. We are so grateful for this program and the amazing people that run it.”

“We love Valley 2 Valley! The teachers are awesome with the kids, and the programs are so high quality and fun and well thought out! We've been here since practically the beginning and every year it just gets better and better!”