Aurora Public Schools

Student Leadership Programs

Young Men of Color

The FARE Team manages the APS Young Men of Color Collective Impact Program, which began in the 2019-20 school year to provide extra support to middle and high school male students of color. We work with local nonprofit organizations that specialize in a variety of disciplines — music production, civics education, social emotional wellness, restorative practices, and much more — to help improve the systems that impact APS’ young men of color. 

Students participate in weekly classes or sessions with a nonprofit provider to gain exposure to areas like character building, life skills, academic achievement, and leadership development. 

Thank you to our program providers:

• Colorado Uplift

• The Conflict Center

• Sims-Fayola Foundation

• Young Aspiring Americans for Social and Political Activism 

• Young Men of Purpose

• Youth on Record

Schools participating include:

• Aurora Central High School

• APS Avenues

• Aurora West College Preparatory Academy

• East Middle School

• Gateway High School

• Mrachek Middle School

For more information on the Young Men of Color program, please contact Julius Vaughns at [email protected] or 303-326-2636.

District Student Leadership Council

The FARE Team oversees the District Student Leadership Council (DSLC), a peer advisory board of juniors and seniors that gives input on current APS initiatives and brings school level issues and problem solving skills to our team. Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr. engages and facilitates conversations with the group on a monthly basis to discuss ways to elevate student voice, bring awareness to issues affecting all APS students, and provide an authentic space for students to talk about their experiences. A program cornerstone is student leaders identifying problems within their community and working collectively to address them.

Students from the following schools currently serve on the DSLC:

• APS Avenues

• Aurora Central High School

• Aurora West College Preparatory Academy

• Gateway High School

• Hinkley High School

• Rangeview High School

• Vista Peak Preparatory

• William Smith High School

For more information on District Student Leadership Council, please contact Julius Vaughns at [email protected] or 303-326-2636.