African Leadership Group

African Leadership Group (ALG)

⭐Advancing Belonging, Opportunity, and Leadership for Colorado’s Immigrant and Refugee Families

Nearly two decades ago, ALG’s founder Papa Dia arrived in Colorado determined to build a new life but unsure where to begin. He struggled with the language, teaching himself English “one book at a time” while working long hours at a local bookstore because he could not afford formal classes. Through this experience, he saw firsthand how many immigrants were navigating the same challenges—alone, without guidance, support, or a sense of community. ALG was created to change that reality and ensure that every family has a place to grow, connect, and succeed.

Today, ALG serves more than 5,000 people each year, offering programs in education, health, economic mobility, youth development, and civic leadership. While we provide a wide range of services, two programs made especially powerful impacts this year: Youth Empowerment and Leadership Africa—both transforming lives and strengthening community leadership from the inside out.

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💪Youth Empowerment Program (YEP)

We provide culturally grounded mentoring, tutoring, and leadership development for first- and second-generation African immigrant youth. In 2025, more than 60 young people participated in weekly sessions that build confidence, academic success, cultural pride, and strong peer relationships. Key highlights included:

• 150+ attendees at the Youth Empowerment Celebration

• 60 parents and students engaged in mental-health and wellness workshops

• Weekly Friday programming focused on identity, college readiness, resilience, and community connection

The program is free to families, but the actual cost is $150 per student, covering transportation, snacks, guest speakers, and materials. Every donation helps ensure that no youth is turned away. Through Leadership Africa, we build the next generation of community advocates and leaders.

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🎓Leadership Africa

Leadership Africa is ALG’s signature 9-month civic and leadership development program. In 2025:

• 35 adults completed the cohort

• The program cost $250 per participant

• Scholarships allowed every qualified candidate to participate

Participants learn advocacy skills, public speaking, community engagement, and systems navigation. Graduates serve on boards and commissions, lead community initiatives, run for office, and amplify the voices of immigrant and refugee families across Colorado.

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💬Impact Story: A Family Finds Stability Through Community

When Arantes and his wife Miriam arrived in Colorado, they immediately connected with ALG for English classes, tutoring, and youth programs. Months later, when the family faced sudden eviction and homelessness, the community they had built through ALG became their lifeline. Youth leaders raised emergency funds, teachers connected them to resources, and partners helped them secure temporary shelter. Through perseverance and community support, the family found stability, employment, and eventually a permanent home.

Their message is simple: ALG stood with them when they had nowhere else to turn.

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🌍Your Support Strengthens a Full Ecosystem of Programs

Your Colorado Gives Day gift helps power every part of ALG’s community-wide impact, including:

• English and citizenship classes

• After-school tutoring and parent leadership workshops

• Annual Health Fair and mental-health education

• Financial literacy, home-buying, and small-business coaching

• Workforce development and job readiness

• Voter education, civic engagement, and advocacy training

• Emergency navigation for housing, food, and transportation

Our 

programs work together to ensure that families not only meet immediate needs, but also build long-term stability, confidence, and leadership.

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Suggested Giving Levels

• $25 – Snacks and supplies for youth sessions

• $50 – Materials for mental-health workshops

• $100 – A full week of tutoring and mentoring

• $150 – Sponsor one Youth Empowerment participant

• $250 – Leadership Africa scholarship

• $500 – Support for family wellness and mental-health programs

• $1,000 – One month of youth programming

• $2,500 – Support for Leadership Africa cohort scholarships

Your gift allows us to continue providing these high-impact programs year-round.

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Join Us This Colorado Gives Day

Your gift supports youth, empowers emerging leaders, strengthens immigrant families, and builds a more inclusive, thriving Colorado. Every contribution—large or small—helps us continue its mission of uplifting community voices and creating spaces where every person can succeed.

👉 Donate today. Your generosity transforms lives.

*ALG is a project of the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center.*

Signed 2024 Proclamation declaring August as African Immigrant Month