The Youth Power Fund

The New Era Colorado team tabling at the Community College of AuroraA fund for Black and brown-led student groups 

New Era Colorado is excited to expand the Youth Power Fund, a fund available to Black, Indigenous, and people of color-led groups across the University of Colorado campuses to build upon youth power and resource student leaders across the state.  

We know that young people across our state are powerful visionaries and shouldn’t be limited because of their access to money! As Lauryn Hill once said, “You could get the money—you could get the power.” Through funding student groups, we can share resources and knowledge to support young visionaries doing cool shit—and that all starts with the money. If you’re interested in supporting the continued existence and expansion of this fund, consider donating!

Questions? Reach out to Arianna@NewEraColorado.org!

2024 Youth Power Fund Grantees

In 2024, we awarded six Black, Indigenous, and people of color-led student groups from the University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, and University of Colorado Denver who were leading powerful work building communities, breaking down barriers, and making progress on the Youth Agenda!

UMAS y MECHA | CU Boulder | Instagram: @umasymecha

UMAS y MECHA is a student group at the University of Colorado Boulder that organizes Chicana/o/x, Mexican, Latine, and Indigenous students to address issues concerning, but not limited to: capitalism, cultural sexism, institutional racism, and settler colonialism. They used Youth Power funding to expand their reach to students and continue to offer community-building spaces!

Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers | CU Denver | Instagram: @sase.cu.denver

The Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers (SASE) is dedicated to the advancement of Asian heritage scientists and engineers in education and employment so that they can achieve their full career potential. The funding sent 10 members from the CU Denver chapter to the 2024 SASE National Conference. 

“This financial support significantly reduced the out-of-pocket burden for our students, many of whom are first-generation college students or work part-time while attending school. By easing the cost of attendance, the grant allowed our members to participate in valuable professional development, networking, and leadership opportunities on a national scale,” said chapter leaders.

Black Health Professions Student Organization | UCCS | Instagram: @uccs_bhpso

The Black Health Professions Student Organization (BHPSO) is dedicated to advancing the representation, opportunities, and success of Black individuals within the health profession. They seek to empower Black health professionals to foster equity, excellence, and innovation in health care. They requested funding for attending national conferences and for study tools and materials to help members prep for exams.

African Student Association | CU Boulder | Instagram: @asacuboulder

The purpose of the African Student Association is to gather students of all ethnic backgrounds, specifically African backgrounds, to learn from each other and create a community. Funding from the Youth Power Fund helped group members attend conferences and travel to areas with larger African communities to immerse themselves in the culture.

Sisterhood Club | UCCS | Instagram: @sisterhood_uccs

The UCCS Sisterhood is a club centered on Black women and their empowerment throughout generations. They aim to provide a community and haven for Black women and those who support their history and empowerment. The group secured funding to enhance community programs, focusing on empowerment, education, and outreach, including a series of workshops and events with guest speakers.

QTPOC & Two-Spirit Club | UCCS | Instagram: @qtpoctwospirit

The Queer Transgender People of Color (QTPOC) & Two-Spirit club aims to create a safe space on the UCCS campus for students of color of all queer identities to discuss their experiences, connect, attend workshops and events, and have a place on campus to exist unapologetically and unafraid. The Youth Power funds supported their attendance at the Creating Change Conference and hosting the UCCS Pride Prom.

Who can apply?

Applications are currently closed. Come back in the fall of 2025!