June 2025
$50,000 MATCHING CHALLENGE KICKS OFF THE “GROW YOUR OWN” FUND!
Funding will support educators county-wide, including Steamboat, Hayden and South Routt School Districts, as well as North Routt Community Charter School and Steamboat Montessori.
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 the Yampa Valley Community Foundation. “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 Routt County 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 has flexibility 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 the tuition reimbursement and other “Grow Your Own” funding priorities 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 initiatives 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 with a credit card at https://yvcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=5455
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. Please direct questions about eligible uses of the grant and the award determination procedure to Emily Beyer: ebeyer@ssk12.org
