Empowering students with a foundation to succeed in life.
Our Programs
Our programs empower students, parents, volunteers, and professionals for success. We have a total of seven programs and provide everything from educational instruction to recognition and scholarships.
The Bridge Building Institute
July 13, 2026 - July 17, 2026
A Leadership Journey for Driving Changes in Community Outcomes
The Institute is a transformative space that moves individuals from intention to action by helping them explore their perspectives, understand how these shape their lives and communities, and leverage their power to create greater fairness, and opportunity for all. It empowers participants to build bridges of understanding, connection, and progress in their communities and beyond.
ECOC Summit
February 21, 2026
The Educating Children of Color Summit provides a unique opportunity for students, educators, juvenile justice, and child welfare professionals to enhance their ability to retain and inspire the students they serve. This incredible event is also an opportunity for high school students to learn important skills and explore career options.
Each year, the Summit features nationally recognized speakers, powerful sessions for youth, parents, and professionals, and celebrates student achievement.
Leadership Academy
Every Academic Year
The ECOC Leadership Academy is designed to enhance students’ leadership capabilities, confidence, and ability to pursue higher education and career opportunities.
Student Ambassadors are nominated by counselors, teachers and administrators from selected high schools in Districts 2, 3, 8, 11, and 20.
Student Ambassadors will meet monthly with their college mentor and address topics including constitutional rights, financial aid, communication skills, grit and perseverance, the distinctions between institutions of higher learning, and how to write a college essay or scholarship application.
Additionally, ambassadors and mentors within the Leadership Academy cohort will identify, plan, and complete a service-learning project that embodies their cohort and the impact they want to have on the community.
As a way to thank all participants, Student Ambassadors will attend The Educating Children of Color Summit and they will play a key role in introducing our presenters.
90% of the Student Ambassadors indicate that they would be pursuing higher education upon completion of high school
Scholarships
Deadline to Apply: February 1, 2026
Higher education comes at a price, and we have made it our mission to create pathways for those that are motivated to pursue higher education. In addition to illuminating these pathways, we have also created a number of financial resources to bolster your journey.
Thanks to our donors, sponsors, and partners we have just reached a monumental milestone!
More than $718,000 in scholarships and educational gifts have been awarded to Date
IInspire
Nominations Due March 10, 2026
Through iInspire, ECOC recognizes youth from El Paso and Teller County, Colorado, who have overcome adversity and inspired others to do the same.
ECOC partners with the Equity Taskforce to Address Minority Overrepresentation of the 4th Judicial District Best Practices Court to sponsor the annual iInspire awards. Nominations are solicited from educators, Court Appointed Special Advocates, judicial officers, attorneys, case workers, and foster parents.
Awards are given to El Paso and Teller County youth who have overcome adversity and inspired others to do the same. We honor their individual achievements and highlight the extraordinary potential of our community’s youth.
iInspire awards will be presented on April 30, 2026 at 4 p.m. at the Pioneer Museum.
Honorees Receive:
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public recognition in a ceremony;
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a framed copy of a Fourth Judicial Court proclamation declaring iInspire Day, in their honor;
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an opportunity to shadow a local leader for a day; and
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a monetary gift.
SAT Prep
January - April 2026
At ECOC, we are committed to leveling the playing field and ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has an equal chance to succeed. Our SAT Prep Program is meticulously curated to empower our students, addressing not just academic concepts, but also bolstering critical thinking skills, time management, and test-taking strategies.
I raised my sat score by 170 points! It took a lot of hard work, but thanks to my mentor and coaching, i was able to accomplish my goal! I even won a laptop!
Through small group sessions led by dedicated instructors, our students benefit from personalized attention, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. With each session, our students gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to overcome the SAT's challenges, propelling them toward academic achievement and a future filled with infinite possibilities.
The ECOC Summit Got me Thinking about implicit bias through different cultural lenses, staying strong in a time of backlash, And how to challenge the attack on racial equity and justice.
ECOC SUMMIT Participant
Program Pillars
We take a people-centered approach to all our programs to ensure they are creating the most value for the participants!
Content
We're continually adding to our comprised wealth of knowledge in Education and Diversity Equity & Inclusion
Team
Across the board, we have a roster of industry professionals who care deeply about our mission and have a knack for helping educate others.
Sponsors
Our partners enrich our programatic efforts by offering space, money, and time.
Our Impact
With the help of the partners, donors, volunteers, and more
we have been reaching new heights as an organization. It is important we practice maximum transparency as we expand our horizons to reach more students, educators, and other professionals across Colorado's education landscape.
While it is challenging to measure the actual, intrinsic impact we are making on the lives of our participants, we are proud to report these metrics:
29
Major Sponsors in 2023
We pride ourselves in the partnerships we make with corporate entities and foundations across the state. With their help our fight to dismantle the cradle-to-prison pipeline through education becomes more attainable.
$718k
Awarded Scholarship Funds
Our scholarship fund continues to grow year after year, and, to date, we've granted close to $720,000 in scholarship funds to students who participate in the annual ECOC Summit.
Equity
Fueling the fire of justice and closing opportunity gaps for all people.
Empowerment
Igniting resilience, courage, and endless possibilities.
Education
Illuminating minds, unlocking potential, and paving brighter pathways.