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Youth in Action

Youth In Action is a unique program in Chaffee County that provides an opportunity for middle school students and preschool students to be matched together while developing literacy, social emotional, and leadership skills. YIA matches in Salida and BV meet once a week after school and focus on relationship-building, reading, learning about the community, and playing. 

Cultivating Literacy & Leadership

Youth in Action is a program that has been in our community since 2006, and was inspired by the idea that kids enjoy and see great benefits when they have the opportunity to learn from their peers. Middle schoolers are in a great position to mentor preschool children, particularly as it relates to literacy and social-emotional skills. There is also no better place to develop leadership and social skills than when serving as a mentor. 

Middle School Mentor Eligibility

Mentors come from Salida Middle School and Buena Vista Middle School. Applications open in the fall through the schools, and the program runs throughout the school year's calendar. Participants are only accepted once per year during the application process.

Sometimes kids learn better from other kids, and that’s the whole idea behind Youth in Action. If you would like to see your middle schooler’s leadership skills, social skills, patience, and empathy grow this school year, this program is for you!


Location: Chaffee County

Eligibility: Salida & BV Middle school students

Preschool Mentee Eligibility

Preschool mentees come from the Salida Early Childhood Center and The Grove. Applications open in the fall, and the program runs with the school year's calendar. Participants are only accepted once per year during the application process.

Sometimes kids learn better from other kids, and that’s the whole idea behind Youth in Action. If you would like to see your preschooler’s social skills, interest, and skill in reading improve, this is the program for you.

Age: 3-5

Location: Chaffee County

Eligibility: Students at The Grove or Salida Early Childhood Center

Join Us

Contact Kelsey Leva, kleva@chaffeecounty.org or 719-530-2584 to learn more about our Youth In Action Program.

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Testimonials & Impact

"Kayleigh loved YIA. She talks about her big kid all the time. She's become more outgoing, happier, and just all around a great, spirited kid that now has less fear of doing things." 

"This (YIA) is an excellent outlet for Radana's compassion and desire to work with young children. She has learned a lot about how to mentor youth, compromise, and negotiation."

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