ResourcesAPS Students Hit the Slopes
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Right now they are students in Aurora Public Schools. But the future may find them on the slopes of Vail Mountain, working as ski instructors! An after-school program, Project Victory, gives at-risk APS students the chance to see what it takes to become a ski instructor.
Project Victory is part of the Coalition Of Many Providing After School Success program, a partnership with the City of Aurora and Aurora Public Schools. Project Victory matches 17 APS students with ski instructors in an effort to open doors to new opportunities. It provides the opportunity for students to experience learning on Vail Mountain during ski season.
For many, these trips to Vail are the only time they are away from home. The program serves students from 6th to 12th grade.
“This is my first year with Project Victory. I’ve never been skiing before. It was scary at first, but now it is a lot of fun.”
- Olga
Sixth-grade West Middle School student
This is the last year Aurora Central High School student Neishia will ski with the program before she graduates. “When I first came out here, it was hard and I fell a lot. Now, it seems like a piece of cake,” said Neishia. “We learn more than skiing with Project Victory; we learn patience, teamwork, how to be mentors to others and how to help each other.” Neishia plans to attend college to become a nurse.
Vail Resorts Ski Instructor and Coordinator Anne Breckheimer is part of a team that ensures APS students and staff have the best experience possible on the mountain. Vail Resorts donates equipment and lift tickets to the students. Ski instructors provide their ski expertise and community volunteers Gilda and Warner Kaplan offer time and financial support in keeping Project Victory alive for students. They welcome students to the mountain with homemade chocolate chip cookies.
Each year, COMPASS impacts 1,200 Aurora youth. Half of the students who attend the COMPASS program regularly achieve at least a year of academic growth.
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