C O L O R A D O M O U N T A I N L E A D E R
At the discretion of the sitting Governor, the Colorado Mountain Leader is awarded in honor of a deceased community leader or an enduring organization that has provided an innovative impact on the state of the Colorado while providing a role model for the nation. Emily Griffith founded the Opportunity School in 1916 as a school to provide vocational education to all people of all ages at no cost – with an emphasis on providing careers to graduates in addition to an education. The Opportunity School enrolled nearly 1,400 people in its first year and has been a beacon for post-secondary education innovation for over 100 years. Ms. Griffith was ahead of her time as many states, including Colorado, are only recently investing in new educational pathways that strengthen workforce potential and opportunities for all aspiring citizens. Today, the school is known as the Emily Griffith Technical College and it continues to use the motto coined by Emily Griffith herself: For All Who Wish to Learn. We welcome all people, regardless of age, race or education level, who want to expand their horizons and chart their own course for success.