our mission

Building long-term, life-changing relationships with urban youth, equipping them to thrive and contribute to their community.

our team

kevinbyerly

KEVIN BYERLEY

CEO

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johnoliver

JOHN OLIVER

Chief Operating Officer

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kevinsingleton

KEVIN SINGLETON

Senior VP of Leadership Development

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kevinbyerly

KEVIN BYERLEY

CEO

Read More
johnoliver

JOHN OLIVER

Chief Operating Officer

Read More
kevinsingleton

KEVIN SINGLETON

Senior VP of Leadership Development

Read More
kevinbyerly

KEVIN BYERLEY

CEO

Read More
johnoliver

JOHN OLIVER

Chief Operating Officer

Read More
kevinsingleton

KEVIN SINGLETON

Senior VP of Leadership Development

Read More
kevinbyerly

KEVIN BYERLEY

CEO

Read More
johnoliver

JOHN OLIVER

Chief Operating Officer

Read More
kevinsingleton

KEVIN SINGLETON

Senior VP of Leadership Development

Read More
kevinbyerly

KEVIN BYERLEY

CEO

Read More
johnoliver

JOHN OLIVER

Chief Operating Officer

Read More
kevinsingleton

KEVIN SINGLETON

Senior VP of Leadership Development

Read More

our mission

Building long-term, life-changing relationships with urban youth, equipping them to thrive and contribute to their community.

board members

Shawn McLaughlin

CEO
Emporia Energy 
Denver, CO (Chairman)

Shawn McLaughlin

CEO
Emporia Energy 
Denver, CO (Chairman)

Shawn McLaughlin

CEO
Emporia Energy 
Denver, CO (Chairman)

Shawn McLaughlin

CEO
Emporia Energy 
Denver, CO (Chairman)

Shawn McLaughlin

CEO
Emporia Energy 
Denver, CO (Chairman)

Shawn McLaughlin

CEO
Emporia Energy 
Denver, CO (Chairman)

Shawn McLaughlin

CEO
Emporia Energy 
Denver, CO (Chairman)

Shawn McLaughlin

CEO
Emporia Energy 
Denver, CO (Chairman)

Shawn McLaughlin

CEO
Emporia Energy 
Denver, CO (Chairman)

Shawn McLaughlin

CEO
Emporia Energy 
Denver, CO (Chairman)

Shawn McLaughlin

CEO
Emporia Energy 
Denver, CO (Chairman)

Shawn McLaughlin

CEO
Emporia Energy 
Denver, CO (Chairman)

Shawn McLaughlin

CEO
Emporia Energy 
Denver, CO (Chairman)

Shawn McLaughlin

CEO
Emporia Energy 
Denver, CO (Chairman)

Shawn McLaughlin

CEO
Emporia Energy 
Denver, CO (Chairman)

our

seven

core

beliefs

We believe that EVERY CHILD is of great worth and has the desire and potential to succeed.

We believe that LONG-TERM, 24/7 RELATIONSHIPS with caring adults have proven positive outcomes in the lives of our urban youth.

We believe that a HOLISTIC approach is essential for a strong and healthy future for our youth.

We believe that FULL-TIME, SALARIED TEACHER-MENTORS WHO COME FROM SIMILAR BACKGROUNDS as the students can have a positive influence and make all the difference.

We believe that the SERVANT LEADERSHIP, creating a culture of selflessness and service, is the foundation for leadership.

We believe in the intrinsic DIGNITY of every person and act accordingly.

We believe that COLLABORATION yields the best long-term results, acknowledging that the complex work in our urban centers cannot be done single handedly.

our history

  • Apr 6, 1980

    Dr. Kent Hutcheson, Founder

    Dr. Kent Hutcheson founded Colorado UpLift in 1982 as a summer jobs program for urban, at-risk youth. Dr. Hutcheson’s passion was to help urban young people find hope in hopeless circumstances.

  • Apr 6, 1987

    Colorado UpLift

    Colorado UpLift quickly changed its strategy in 1987 to teach character qualities and life skills needed for long-term success. Elevate staff members began providing leadership and character instruction in the Public School system for students from 4th grade through college. Along with the in-school program, Colorado UpLift regularly mentored students after school and throughout the summer, improving the odds for urban youth to emerge as successful, productive young adults.

     
  • Apr 6, 2008

    Model Replication Pilot Programs

    After seeing the success of the UpLift model, Colorado UpLift launched the Model Replication Program, aimed at helping new cities launch. In 2008, the first affiliate, Elevate Orlando, launched, followed by Elevate Phoenix in 2009 and Elevate New York in 2010.

  • Apr 6, 2014

    Elevate USA Formed

    In 2014, Elevate USA was formed by Colorado UpLift advocates, allowing Colorado UpLift to focus on the city of Denver and release Elevate USA to replicate the Colorado UpLift program in cities throughout the US.

  • Apr 6, 2015

    Elevate Indianapolis Launched

    In 2015, Elevate Indianapolis was formed and began working with students from Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, IN.

  • Apr 6, 2016

    Elevate New England Launched

    In 2016, Elevate New England was formed and began working with students from Lowell High School in Lowell, MA.

  • Apr 6, 2018

    Elevate St. Louis

    In 2018, Elevate St. Louis was formed and began working with students from McCluer High School.

  • Apr 6, 2018

    Elevate Jacksonville Launched

    In 2018, Elevate Jacksonville was formed and began working with students from Raines High School

  • Apr 6, 2018

    Elevate Dallas

    In 2018, Elevate Dallas was formed and began working with students from Thomas Jefferson High School. 

  • Apr 6, 2019

    Elevate Metro KC Launched

    In 2019, Elevate Metro KC was formed and will start serving students at Southeast High School.

  • Apr 6, 2019

    Elevate Savannah

    In 2019, Elevate Savannah was formed and started serving students at Beach High School.

  • Apr 6, 2019

    Elevate New Jersey Launched

    In 2020, Elevate New Jersey was formed and started serving students at Eastside High School in Paterson, NJ.

  • Apr 6, 2021

    Elevate Birmingham

    In 2021, Elevate Birmingham was formed and started serving students at Huffman High School.

help us reach more cities

a bold take on education

In the press

Trauma Informed Parenting

Wellness Wednesday Trauma Informed Parenting
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Keys 2 Life Family Breakfast

It’s safe to say our “Family Breakfast” was a hit at camp! Our campers parents came out and showed their support by cooking an amazing meal for everyone to enjoy ...
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