Gilpin County Education Foundation and City Partnership
Black Hawk City leaders joined the Gilpin County Education Foundation (GCEF) Board members last week at the official grand opening ceremony of the Foundation’s new vocational venture, EAGLESmart Convenience Store, on Wednesday, October 12, 2016.
The Foundation approached the City last fall to discuss the possibility of leasing the open commercial space. The City was on board with the concept almost immediately and supported this new program and the fantastic opportunity it provides to the students of Gilpin County. From there, work began to transform the commercial space to accommodate the convenience store.
During a brief ceremony outside the store, Foundation Board President Craig Holmes thanked the Black Hawk City Council and staff for being an engaged partner in helping the Foundation form this new enterprise. “Together we have created a funding source for the Foundation, a vocational opportunity for the Gilpin County School, and a model that others are looking at within the State,” said Holmes. “This creative concept would not have been possible without the City of Black Hawk’s help and support. We look forward to EAGLESmart having great success and being part of the community for years to come.”
GCEF has designed EAGLESmart to provide real-world business experience as part of a new program offered to high school students of Gilpin County School, while supporting their mission to provide resources to better the education of Gilpin County students.
City of Black Hawk Mayor David Spellman gave credit to Holmes for developing the idea and bringing the concept forward to the City of Black Hawk, and added, “After developing the concept, the City Council was only too happy and delighted to once again demonstrate Black Hawk’s support of the Gilpin County RE-1 School District and the students of the school. The City believes this is one of the best learning opportunities the school has to offer, and it would not have been possible without Craig Holmes.”
Following the ceremony, Spellman and Holmes commemorated the official grand opening by cutting the ribbon, marking the establishment of this innovative vocational legacy.
“The collaboration of the City of Black Hawk, the GCEF, and the Gilpin County School in opening EAGLESmart will benefit students with scholarships and practical work experience through employment and internship. The store provides immense benefits to our students,” said Gilpin County School Superintendent David MacKenzie. High School students will begin working in the store as part of a work study program during their business studies.
EAGLESmart is located in the professional building at 135 Clear Creek Street, next door to the Black Hawk post office. More information about the work of the GCEF can be found on the Foundation’s website at www.gilpineducationfoundation.org.
