Foundation Blog
CMC Mentor Teacher Report 2024–25
Catalysts for Change: Over 100 Mentor Teachers Transforming Rural Education Executive Summary Since the passage of Senate Bill 19-190 in 2019, Colorado Mountain College (CMC) has remained a statewide leader in developing teacher leaders through its Mentor Teacher Endorsement Program. Supported initially by grant funding from the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), the program has grown well beyond its original scope. In 2024, CMC was also awarded Opportunity Now funds, allowing us to run additional cohorts of mentor teachers and extend our reach across the Rocky Mountains and into rural communities beyond our traditional partner districts. Together, these funding streams have created a powerful inertia of interest in teacher leadership—one that not only strengthens educator preparation but also fosters retention and professional growth for both preservice and early-career teachers. As of the 2024–25 academic year, over 100 certified teachers have completed the endorsement, forming a critical mass of experienced mentors actively shaping the next generation of educators. This momentum has drawn statewide attention. Senator Cathy Kipp, a longtime advocate for educator support, has shown great interest in how the CMC model might be expanded to reach more communities through innovative approaches to mentorship. Her engagement underscores the program’s value as a scalable and replicable strategy for strengthening Colorado’s educator workforce. CMC Program Completers AY 2021–22 = 15 AY 2022–23 = 23 AY 2023–24 = 20 AY 2024–25 = 20 “I value this experience as it is a way to revisit all my tools and develop new ones. Additionally, it gives me a venue to collaborate—for sooo long in my career I have been alone in the room!” Opportunity Now Mentors SU 24 = 22, SU 25 = 28 Creating a Continuum of Leadership CMC was among the first educator preparation programs approved to offer the Mentor Teacher Endorsement in… Read more: CMC Mentor Teacher Report 2024–25
Read MoreHonoring the Ute Legacy: Mural Reveal at CMC Rifle
On May 22, the Rifle Campus came alive with history, art, and community as CMC unveiled a powerful new mural honoring the Ute people and their deep-rooted connection to the Colorado River Valley. The event, which drew a large and heartfelt crowd—including members of the Frost family—was a moving celebration of culture and storytelling. Created by Rifle-based artist Jeremy Velasquez, the vibrant mural expands upon the campus’s longstanding tradition of depicting the region’s ranching, mining, and agricultural heritage. Now, that legacy includes the voices and history of the Ute people—Colorado’s original stewards of this land. At the heart of the mural is Kenny Frost, a respected Southern Ute leader and advocate who spent decades shaping policy and preserving Indigenous culture in Western Colorado. His legacy includes organizing the first United Ute Powwow in more than a century, helping ensure the respectful reburial of ancient remains, and embedding Native voices into federal land planning. Also featured at the event was Larry Cesspooch, a filmmaker, Navy veteran, and storyteller from the Ute Indian Tribe. Through spoken word and ceremony, he shared the Ute Creation Story, the rich seasonal traditions of his people, and offered a blessing for the mural and all present. Together, the mural and celebration marked a significant moment for CMC and the Rifle community—a visual and spiritual reminder of shared history, ongoing presence, and mutual respect.
Read MoreA Night to Savor: CMC Culinary Dinner Delivers Big Flavor and Even Bigger Heart
On Friday, March 28, foodies, friends, and community supporters gathered at Keystone Ranch for an evening full of bold flavors, creative pairings, and a whole lot of heart. Hosted by the Colorado Mountain College Culinary Arts Program, the annual Culinary Dinner didn’t just impress—it wowed. Appetizer stations kicked things off in style, serving up unforgettable cocktails that paired crave-worthy bites with local brews and expertly crafted cocktails. Liquid Chef Billie Keithley from Breckenridge Distillery brought the magic with custom whiskey and gin creations, while breweries like Angry James, Outer Range, and Broken Compass offered perfect pours to match. The menu? Next level. Guests grazed on everything from Korean BBQ pork belly over cheddar grits to ahi tuna tartar, scallops with lemon jam, and even a savory macaron with hare rillette (yes, really—and yes, it was delicious). All the while live bluegrass from Marly Lovett and Kenn Lee added energy and warmth to the scene. Then came dinner, prepared by CMC’s student chefs under the direction of Culinary Director Kevin Clarke. The four-course experience featured dishes like ricotta tortellini, a bison and A5 Miyazaki wagyu beef duo, and a decadent trio of flourless chocolate cakes to close the night on a sweet note. Each course was paired with wine from J. Lohr, perfectly curated to enhance the evening’s flavors. But beyond the amazing food and drink, this dinner had a purpose. Every ticket, toast, and bite helped raise funds for CMC’s Culinary Arts Program—supporting hands-on education, student resources, and study abroad opportunities for aspiring chefs across Summit County. This wasn’t just a dinner. It was a celebration of community, creativity, and the future of culinary arts in the mountains. And if you ask anyone who was there, they’ll tell you: it was one night they won’t forget. Thank you to everyone… Read more: A Night to Savor: CMC Culinary Dinner Delivers Big Flavor and Even Bigger Heart
Read MoreIrish Cheer for a Great Cause
Colorado Mountain College Glenwood’s Children’s Mini College hosted its second annual Gold & Green community event on Friday, March 14, from 5-7 p.m. at the CMC Glenwood Center. This free Irish-themed happy hour brought pre-St. Patrick’s Day cheer while raising essential funds for the nonprofit preschool program. The event featured Irish music, donated beer and wine, and delicious Irish appetizers, some of which were baked by the Mini College’s young students. A highlight of the evening was the Wall of Giving, created by students’ families and decorated by the children. Attendees had the opportunity to bid on a variety of donated items, including local artwork, event tickets, ski passes, and weekend getaways, with all proceeds directly supporting Mini College programming. Abby Hollenbaugh, director of the Children’s Mini College, emphasized the importance of the fundraiser in sustaining the program, which operates independently as an auxiliary of CMC. Since its founding in 1978, the Mini College has provided early childhood education for children aged 3 to 5, serving both CMC faculty and students as well as the broader Glenwood Springs community. Looking ahead, the Mini College plans to expand its offerings later this fall, adding a second classroom and new year-round, full-time options for parents. The expansion will accommodate potty-trained 2-and-a-half-year-olds and younger 3-year-olds, increasing capacity from 18 to 28 children per day. The program continues to focus on art, music, cooking, science, and imaginative play, fostering a love of learning in a nurturing environment.
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