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The Arapahoe County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Awards (ACMCYA) recognizes teenagers who have overcome obstacles and risen to challenges life has presented. This award is unique because it encompasses youth who live and attend school in Arapahoe County within traditional classroom settings, group homes, alternative schools, and emancipated youth.
Scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who have overcome adversity and wish to pursue post-secondary educational opportunities at vocational, two- or four-year schools.
The youth awards are sponsored by the Groove Auto DRIVE for education program.
DRIVE for education® is a forward-thinking charitable program created by the employees of Groove. It's about enriching the lives of children through education and foundational support. Each year, funds from vehicle sales go to benefit local area schools that have applied to receive a Drive for Education grant. These grants directly impact the students, school facilities and the teachers.
The 2023 award recipients were notified in early May and a ceremony of recognition was held on May 4, 2023 at the Mayo Aviation Hangar, Centennial Airport.
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The application is to be submitted by a teacher/counselor/school administrator, and not related to the youth. The nominator must provide details on why the student should be considered for the award including, ways in which the student has helped their community and how they have overcome challenges. Nominators will need to attach a student-written 3-paragraph essay describing what they have learned from overcoming challenges, plans for their future and what they hope to accomplish in the years ahead.
A committee comprised of county elected officials (commissioners, mayors, etc.) review applications and make recommendations for awards and scholarships based on the student’s desire to rise above adversity, determination to create positive change within their environment, and the positive contributions and service to their communities and families.
Scholarship amounts and the number of scholarships awarded are determined on a year-by-year basis.
The Submission window is currently closed.
Questions about the process or program should be directed to Daniela Villarreal at dvillarreal@arapahoegov.com.