Garfield County just threw its weight behind local student development in a big way—$9,900 to be exact. A new grant to the non-profit Youthentity is aiming to boost future careers before students even leave high school.

On May 12, the Board of County Commissioners gave a unanimous thumbs-up to the funding. It’s not a massive figure by government standards, but for thousands of students in Colorado’s Garfield County, it could make all the difference.

A Quiet Investment with Loud Potential

The money may not come with bells and whistles, but it carries weight. This grant, pulled from the county’s discretionary fund budgeted in 2024, goes straight to Youthentity, a nonprofit with a serious focus on real-world preparation.

Executive Director Kris Freeman put it simply: the kids walking out of Youthentity’s programs aren’t just students—they’re already on a path. “They’ve got some very nice credentials under their belt that helps them get that first lift,” Freeman told reporters.

That “first lift” matters. Especially in a job market that demands more than a diploma and a handshake.

Programs That Don’t Just Teach—They Build Careers

Youthentity doesn’t do vague workshops with clipboards and dry slideshows. This is hands-on, focused programming built around practical fields. Right now, they’re running five career academies, with topics ranging from Construction Tech to Animal Care.

And it’s not just for fun. These academies give teens a jumpstart into industries they might otherwise only see on a job board or in a textbook. Skills matter, but so does exposure. That’s where Youthentity steps in.

They also hold a Career Expo twice a year—once in spring, once in fall. It’s become a solid fixture for schools and students across the county. There, teens meet with professionals, learn about industries, and figure out their next steps before they even toss their graduation caps.

Why This Money, and Why Now?

There’s a subtle urgency here. Post-COVID, local economies like Garfield County’s are still finding their footing. Youth programs took a hit during the pandemic years, with many enrichment efforts either paused or stripped down.

Now, counties like Garfield are quietly piecing that puzzle back together—and grants like this are part of that effort.

• The $9,900 grant is fully funded through the county’s 2024 nonprofit discretionary budget.
• Youthentity has already served 3,000+ students in Garfield County.
• The funding boosts both academies and career expos hosted throughout the year.

It’s a tidy amount, but targeted. And officials say it’s money well spent.

A County That Knows Where It’s Going

This isn’t the first time Garfield County has backed Youthentity, and likely not the last. The partnership has grown over the years, reflecting a shared vision: keep kids close to opportunity, even in a rural region.

Garfield’s board tends to be conservative with spending. But when votes are unanimous, like this one, it says something. Commissioners didn’t debate the value here—they saw it.

And it’s not just about the here-and-now. Officials view this as laying foundation. In smaller communities, these grants have ripple effects. A confident student today becomes tomorrow’s contractor, vet tech, or small business owner.

One Student, One Expo, One Shot

Talk to any kid who’s been through the program and you’ll hear some version of the same story.

“I didn’t even know what I wanted to do,” one high school junior told us last fall. “Then I met someone at the expo who works in animal care. Now I’ve got a plan.”

Those moments—unexpected but defining—are the goal. And it’s why Youthentity doesn’t just focus on top students or career-track kids. Everyone’s invited. Because sometimes, all it takes is showing up.

Career exposure is often the one missing piece in high school education. Schools can only do so much, and teachers are stretched thin. Youthentity fills the cracks.

What the Numbers Say About Local Career Programs

It’s not just feel-good talk. Career-focused education at the high school level is proving to be effective—and measurable.

Here’s a quick breakdown from national and local sources:

Even adjusting for scale, the program is punching above its weight.

And the cost? Minimal compared to larger educational investments. The county’s grant accounts for less than 0.05% of its total discretionary budget.

What Comes Next?

Freeman says the next step is simple: keep going. More academies are in discussion. The career expos are expanding. They’re not trying to reinvent the wheel—they just want to roll it forward.

The grant will be used to expand access, update programming, and possibly introduce new industry pathways that reflect evolving job markets, including green energy and digital infrastructure.

That’s where Youthentity is headed. And for a county often seen as off-the-radar, it’s moving forward one student at a time.