Colorado Springs-based nonprofit begins MLK weekend by hosting an educational summit

Jan. 14—Educating Children of Color, a Colorado Springs-based educational nonprofit, kicked off Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend in a big way on Saturday with its 16th annual summit.

Colorado College was packed with hundreds of educators, parents, and students who flocked to Colorado College to attend the super-seminar. It was held for the third time in three years. The previous summits were held virtually.

Janelle Sisneros, a volunteer and ex-board member of ECOC, stated that virtual networking doesn’t allow for the same personal connections. “The energy is not the same. We are excited to see you again in person.”

Regina Walter, ECOC founder director, said that it’s not an accident that this summit is held on the weekend before the birthday celebrations of civil-rights leaders.

We feel strongly about his dream and his legacy. Walter explained that equitable education is one of the best ways to achieve that dream. It helps that the weekend is three days long, so teachers are more comfortable giving up their Saturdays if they get an extra day off.

Walter stated that the summit serves two purposes: To help students learn more about higher education and to give them some insight into themselves. Also, to bring together child welfare professionals and educators to create strategies to retain and inspire students.

She stated that children get touched here, and that it makes a huge difference in their lives. I believe that the same is true for professionals. Many of them come to this place because they need credits for professional development. But they leave here inspired and ready to help others.

The nonprofit’s mission statement states that helping children believe in themselves is crucial to their success.

Before she founded Educating Children of Color in 2007, Walter, a former juvenile court judge, was a part of that pipeline — a combination of socioeconomic forces and institutional biases that can funnel young people of color, and children living in poverty, into the criminal justice system.

Walter says that ECOC awarded over $500,000 in educational and scholarship gifts since its inception.

Cynthia Jacquet (ECOC board president) stated, “But we do so much more than just handing out money.” “We are setting up children for success. They will have a better chance of success if they are more aware of the resources that are available to them.

The Summit, which lasted for a day, was packed with career and educational information. Numerous speakers, educators, and professionals from across the United States participated in sessions about construction, skilled trades, archaeology and the food industry. There were also sessions for college and SAT preparation. Sessions on equity in education, LGBTQ+ issues and self-healing after trauma stress were also offered to adults.

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However, the main event was the Reid Arena scholarship and award ceremony. Students had to complete an application for the scholarship and in some cases write an essay. The 10 educational gifts were each $500 in value and were given randomly.

Parents and students cheered loudly as the scholarships were awarded to hundreds of eager students. In total, 35 scholarships were awarded, with prizes of $500 and 22 laptops.

Emmanuel Sogunle received a $5,000 law school scholarship, sponsored by Colorado Springs-based law firm Sherman & Howard.

Sogunle said, “I’m really excited,” but has yet to pick a law school. “This weekend was great.”

Promis Bruno is a social worker currently enrolled in the principal licensure programme at UCCS. She was delighted to receive one $500 educational gift.

Bruno said, “Every little bit helps.”

Nyma Watkins was the first in her family’s family to enroll at a four year college. She was awarded the USAA/ECOC Racial Equity STEM Scholarship, valued $15,000.

Watkins stated, “This is everything,” and plans to study computer sciences. “My future begins today!”

Nicole Lorenzana Watkins’ mother was overwhelmed with emotion. Lorenzana explained that the family has been through its fair share financial troubles, including some periods of homelessness.

She said, “But (Nicole), never stopped doing her job.” “I can’t express how proud I feel about her.

Students hugged their parents or high-fived friends. Others were excited to show off their new laptops. Walters watched the whole thing and smiled.

She stated, “This was why we do it.” “We are here to spark people’s genius.”

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