Deb Rice: JVA Executive Director Academy training graduate

Deb Rice, Executive Director of AccessAfterSchool chatted with JVA about how our Executive Director Academy helped her become a more effective ED.

Access AfterSchool, until recently known as Access Roaring Fork, provides after school and summer programs in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys of Western Colorado.  These programs keep students connected to school and community through a combination of academic and enrichment classes that provide life skills, leadership development and an exploration of a wide variety of subjects including art, music, science, fitness, cooking, martial arts and much more.  Access AfterSchool serves between 1,900 and 2,200 total students annually.

What change is your organization making in the world? 

Access AfterSchool Facilitates change in a multitude of ways. The most important piece that Access AfterSchool provides is to empower youth with youth development skills that prepare them for future success with college and career. Access empowers youth with enriching experiences that encourage personal growth, academic success, an appreciation of the arts and culture, and healthy and active lives. Youth are exposed to engaging activities that demonstrate the practical benefit of math, science and technology, and literacy and ignite their passions for pursuits that may become lifelong interests and career paths. This we believe makes a significant change in building strong and healthy communities.

What role has JVA played in helping your organization make a difference?

JVA’s grantwriting course provided skills and research techniques to build a stronger story for the competitive funding world we all reside in. In addition, JVA positioned our organization for future success by leading our first strategic planning session with board and staff. Access has also contracted with JVA to write grants with a very high yield on return.

How did attending Executive Director Academy (EDA) help you become a more effective changemaker?

I would highly recommend Executive Director Academy to new executive directors as well as other EDs who need a reboot. By attending this training I was able to visualize the bigger scope of all the integral pieces of running a nonprofit. It helped identify the areas I required more training and information. It was very helpful to understand that I am not on an island independently trying to survive. My questions and concerns were shared by others and I was so grateful to discover this. I left having a broader network and support team with colleagues I would not otherwise had the opportunity to meet.

Feel prepared for anything by joining our elite group of Executive Directors at JVA’s EDA today! Register for the February session now!