By Shannon Lukens.
Yampa Valley Community Foundation has launched a “Grow Your Own” fund to support Routt County Educator Advancement and Recruitment. Money raised will support educators at public schools throughout the county. An anonymous donor will give $50K as a matching grant to start the fund. Donations are being accepted through the Yampa Valley Community Foundation website.
Press Release from Yampa Valley Community Foundation; May 19, 2025.
YAMPA VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION LAUNCHES “GROW YOUR OWN” FUND TO SUPPORT EDUCATOR RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION WITH $50,000 MATCHING CHALLENGE
Funding will support educators county-wide, including Steamboat, Hayden, South Routt, and North Routt
(STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO, May 20, 2025) – A newly established fund aims to bolster Routt County’s educator workforce by helping local school districts recruit and retain top-quality educators from within our community. The “Grow Your Own” Routt County Educator Advancement and Recruitment Fund, opened at the Yampa Valley Community Foundation (YVCF) this month, will provide targeted grant support to help local schools fill critical staffing gaps and invest in their current teachers and staff who wish to pursue further education and training.
“We’re proud to launch this fund with an anonymous $50,000 gift and hope it inspires others in our community to step forward to support our educators,” said Traci Hiatt, Director of Philanthropy at YVCF. “As financial pressures and the housing crisis continue to challenge our local workforce, it’s more important than ever that we come together to invest in the future of education in our schools.”
Every dollar donated by August 31st will be matched, up to $50,000. The more the community contributes, the more staff the “Grow Your Own” fund will be able to support each year, and the more stability will be brought to the educator ecosystem across the entire county.
Created in partnership with all public schools in Routt County—Steamboat Springs School District, Hayden School District, South Routt School District, North Routt Community Charter School and Steamboat Montessori—the fund represents a unified commitment to long-term sustainability for the education workforce in Routt County. The five school entities will guide how the funds are prioritized to support staff, and the “Grow Your Own” fund is structured to adapt as the hiring landscape changes from year to year and from district to district.
“While we may not feel the full impact today, we know what’s coming,” said Dr. Celine Wicks, Superintendent of Steamboat Springs School District. “A significant number of our teachers are expected to retire in the next 3 to 5 years. This fund allows us to plan proactively rather than reactively. It’s a smart, community-driven investment in the current and next generation of educators who will shape the future of our schools.”
Grants from the Fund will be distributed directly to Routt County school districts to support a range of educator recruitment and retention efforts. There are several ways the fund can provide financial support to staff who wish to grow within the district, for example: a paraprofessional working toward a teaching license, a teacher pursuing a specialized degree, or an early childhood educator looking to advance. Funds may also be used to recruit aspiring educators who wish to obtain PK-12 educational licensure and build their careers within Routt County public schools.
“This initiative represents true collaboration across districts, providing opportunities for educators to advance their careers while remaining in Routt County. It’s a win for our schools, our students, and the entire community,” said Eric Owen, Superintendent of Hayden School District.
Employees who benefit from “Grow Your Own” funding must commit to three years of service within their district. If they leave early, they will be asked to return funds on a prorated basis. This ensures a sustained return on investment and helps build a stable, experienced workforce in Routt County schools.
“When we invest in professional development and support existing and aspiring teachers through programs like the ‘Grow Your Own’ fund, we’re not only strengthening our workforce but also directly improving student outcomes,” said Dr. Kirk Henwood, Superintendent of South Routt School District.
How to Give
Donations to the fund are tax-deductible and can be made directly to YVCF. An online donation portal is available at yvcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate. Donations by check or donor-advised fund can be made to YVCF, noting the “Grow Your Own” Fund in the memo line, and mailed to 348 Oak Street, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487. Community members interested in supporting Routt County educators are encouraged to participate.
How to Apply for Funding
School districts will be providing information to their current staff later this summer on funding priorities for the “Grow Your Own” Fund for the coming year and the application process for staff who wish to seek financial support for their continuing education.
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About the Yampa Valley Community Foundation
YVCF connects people who care with causes that matter, enhancing the quality of life in the Yampa Valley through charitable giving. For over 45 years, YVCF has supported education, community development, and local nonprofits through strategic philanthropy and donor stewardship.
For more information or to schedule interviews with fund organizers or school representatives, contact YVCF at info@yvcf.org or (970) 879-8632.