Eagle County, Colo., August 18, 2026 — Youth Power, the education initiative of the Vail Valley Foundation (VVF), is kicking off its 2026-27 school year programming, offering free and low-cost support for children and young people from early childhood through college and career readiness. Programs for the 2026-27 school year begin as early as August and continue throughout the academic year. 

This year’s lineup features two brand-new middle school programs. Future Entrepreneurs, piloting this year at Gypsum Creek Middle School, gives students in grades 6-8 hands-on lessons in creativity, financial literacy, and business planning, with guest speakers from local entrepreneurs. Advanced Culinary Club, which was added due to the overwhelming popularity of Culinary Club, gives students more opportunities to refine their cooking skills through advanced techniques, menu planning, and kitchen leadership. The program culminates in student-led culinary events for their families. 

Other Youth Power programs for the 2026-27 school year include: 

• Magic Bus Mobile Preschool (Ages 3-5): A free, bilingual mobile preschool that travels to neighborhoods throughout the valley. 
• PwrHrs Afterschool (Grades K-5): Comprehensive extended learning that supports elementary students across the valley through engaging academics and enrichment opportunities. 
• Culinary Club (Grades 6-8): Cooking skills and nutrition education for middle school students. 
• Middle School Academic Soccer (Grades 6-8): An academics-first soccer program with weekday practices and weekend games. 
• Study Club/Athletic Mentoring (Grades 6-8): Dedicated homework help and academic support. 
• Valley Scholars (Grade 12): Local scholarships to support attendance at a college or trade school. 
• Additional programs and opportunities throughout the school year. 

“Every year, we listen closely to what students are asking for and incorporate feedback from families and staff to strengthen and improve our programs,” said Maria Diaz Nodaro, Youth Power’s Director of Expanded Learning, K-8. “Our goal is to provide programs that are educational, meaningful, and engaging while fostering strong peer connections. With such a wide variety of programming spanning the full continuum of education, there is truly something for everyone. We’re excited to kick off another school year together.” 

Most Youth Power programs are free. Some have a small participation fee, with financial assistance available.  

Full program details, eligibility requirements, and application information are available at youthpowervvf.org. 

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About Youth Power:  

From early childhood to college and career, the Vail Valley Foundation’s Youth Power provides programs to help youth reach their goals. Serving local students in Eagle County, Colorado, Youth Power has a mission to inspire, educate and empower youth and families from early childhood to college and career readiness, and aims to be there for youth “Every Step of the Way.”  

Visit YouthPowervvf.org for more.  

About the Vail Valley Foundation  

The Vail Valley Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Colorado nonprofit with a mission to provide leadership in arts, athletics, and education, and address community needs to enhance our valley as a place to live, work, and visit. 

The organization’s work in education is through Youth Power, a 501(c)(3) Colorado nonprofit corporation which provides programs from early childhood to college and career to support youth and families every step of the way. The VVF puts on several annual events including the GoPro Mountain Games, Stifel Birds of Prey Audi FIS Ski World Cup races, Vail Dance Festival, and Bulleit Hot Summer Nights and Town of Eagle ShowDown Town free concert series. The organization manages the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek and the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail, hosting over 150 events annually. The VVF also operates Eagle River Valley Childcare, a 501(c)(3) Colorado nonprofit corporation focused on enhancing early childhood education and development services across the community. 

Vail Valley Foundation is grateful for our cornerstone partners: Town of Vail, Vail Resorts, Beaver Creek Resort Company, GoPro, Nature Valley, Constellation Brands, CELSIUS, Diageo, Lucid, Lifetime Home Remodeling, and Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate. 

To learn more, visit vvf.org.