Climb Kilimanjaro, Elevate Scholars
We Climb Kilimanjaro, Together We Elevate Scholars
What We’re Climbing
When: August 31 – Sept 11, 2024
Elevation: 19,341′
Where: Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Africa
Who is summitting: Jennifer Falkoski, Executive Director & Chad McGimpsey, Guides provided by Alpine Ascents International
Executive Director Jennifer Falkoski and Chad McGimpsey will embark on the challenge of climbing the 19,341 feet to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in 7 days following the Machame Route. The journey begins on the edge of the rainforest, traverses valleys, moorlands, and ridges, follows the Karanga River, ascends to the high desert plateau, and culminates in a summit attempt.
To tackle the 16,000+ ft elevation gain, climbers must commit to a strict training schedule. Jennifer and Chad will spend their summer training in the mountains of Colorado, summiting several 14ers while advocating for Colorado youth transitioning out of foster care and working towards their postsecondary education.
The Forward Steps Guardian Scholars face a multitude of challenges as they embark on their academic journeys and exhibit tremendous resilience and perseverance throughout their time in this program. I’m honored to climb on their behalf to help secure the funding needed to fully support this cohort for the 2024-2025 academic year. Join me in supporting these scholars as they reach new heights – we’re working to climb Kilimanjaro, and with your help, we will elevate the Forward Steps scholars together.
JENNIFER FALKOSKI
Why We Climb
We are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds and awareness for Colorado youth who have experienced the foster care system.
A Rough Start
26% of former foster youth in Colorado aged 21 in 2021 had been incarcerated in the last two years. A University of Denver study found that 50% of young adults experiencing homelessness in the U.S. were once in foster care, and 25% became homeless within two to four years after aging out. Women aging out of foster care are 13 times more likely to experience early parenthood.
These statistics can be costly for Colorado—a decade’s worth of youth aging out of foster care can cost the state $660 million to $732 million. Even when youth defy the odds to make it into a post-secondary program, truancy rates for those who drop out within the first semester are staggering. That’s why Forward Steps has our Guardian Scholars Program.
The Forward Steps Guardian Scholars Program is designed to give students the resources they need to navigate their post-secondary education. Our program offers up to $3,000 per scholar per semester for unmet financial needs, along with 1:1 mentoring and comprehensive resource navigation on housing, food security, and childcare.
These scholars have the determination and resilience to succeed but need support and guidance from Forward Steps along the way. By supporting these students in completing their post-secondary education, we help them reach their potential, achieve career goals, and become thriving members of society.
Our Goal
To ensure that we are able to meet the needs of our 20 new students for the Guardian Scholars program in the 2024/2025 school year, Forward Steps needs to raise $120,000. Can you help us elevate these scholars?
Let’s Climb Together
Print out the PDF and fill in your “WHY you climb.”
Hold up your sign at the summit of a neighboring Colorado mountain peak, snap a photo, tag us @forwardstepsco #weclimbtoelevatescholars and let’s elevate scholars together!
How You Can Support
When we invest in our scholars, we invest in a resilient and prospering community. In conjunction with the Mount Kilimanjaro expedition, Forward Steps invites donors and sponsors to amplify its mission and contribute to the success of these scholars. Forward Steps offers various partnership options for individuals and businesses. When we climb together, everybody gets ahead.
Will you help elevate scholars? Make a donation today.
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