“Our world needs every bit of your talent, your passion, energy, ideas, and motivation,” said Colorado State University System Chancellor Tony Frank, addressing Bruce Randolph School (BRS) students, before signing a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the north Denver school in April.
“Think of this [MOU] as a key that unlocks a door that only you can walk through, a door to a brighter future,” Frank said.
The CSU System has partnered with BRS on a variety of programs and opportunities in recent years to prepare students for life beyond high school, inspire early interest in science careers and education, and provide physical and emotional support through equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) at the CSU Temple Grandin Center.
Formalizing the partnership will strengthen both institutions’ commitment for future efforts, collaboration, and shared impact.
Prioritizing student success
At the public MOU signing, several Bruce Randolph School students shared stories about their experiences with CSU in the last few years.
Ana Campos, a Bruce Randolph School sophomore, had the opportunity to speak with Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack as part of her class’s early engagement around the future CSU Campus at the National Western Center.
“CSU has shown us there are still people who believe we can make it and have a great impact in our growing community,” Campos said in her remarks to CSU System staff, BRS faculty, classmates, and partners during the MOU signing.
“CSU’s partnership with Bruce Randolph has opened our eyes and reassured the importance and hopes of our future education,” said Campos.
Keyanna Younger, now a BRS freshman, participated in the annual eighth-grade class visit to CSU’s Fort Collins campus in 2018.
In her remarks, Younger said, “The trip made me realize that I could be successful in a college like CSU and one day pursue my dream of becoming a doctor.”
New campus, new opportunities
In 2022, the CSU System will open three buildings at the future National Western Center in north Denver, less than two miles from BRS, focused on experiential learning opportunities and research around today’s most pressing local and global challenges in food, water, sustainability, and human and animal health.
Before opening doors to its new Denver campus, the CSU System intends to build lasting partnerships with residents and organizations in the north Denver neighborhoods of Globeville and Elyria-Swansea, by delivering timely, relevant, and accessible programs such as those being offered at BRS and other nearby schools.
“We look forward to deepening our partnership with CSU, further putting our students on the path to equal opportunity,” said Denver Public Schools Regional Instructional Superintendent Tony Smith, shortly before signing the MOU alongside Frank, BRS principal Melissa Boyd, and Lisa Flores, treasurer of the Denver Public Schools Board of Education.
“Our goal is to ensure that the road to college is exciting and attainable,” Boyd added. “We’re excited for our students to experience this partnership.”
About the CSU Campus at the National Western Center
Colorado State University has made a long-term commitment to the future National Western Center and its surrounding communities in north Denver.
The CSU Campus at the National Western Center will focus on research and educational programming in the areas of food, water, sustainability, and human and animal health within its three buildings: the CSU Water Building, CSU Animal Health Complex, and CSU Food and Agriculture Center. What’s inside the buildings will bring together the brightest minds, inspire the next generation, and address global challenges.
The University is currently working to engage with the community and to partner with local schools, nonprofits, and businesses to create impactful research, collaboration, and year-round programming to this unique project.
For additional information, visit nwc.colostate.edu.
About Bruce Randolph School
Bruce Randolph School is located in north Denver and serves approximately 880 students, Grades 6-12. Bruce Randolph Middle School is a community of learners, with a core belief that the road to college starts in sixth grade by providing students a rigorous curriculum, a safe and supported learning environment, and a community that values each student. Bruce Randolph High School is a neighborhood high school with a focus on community and academic achievement, with a mission to graduate 100-percent of seniors prepared to succeed without remediation in a four-year college or university.
