September 2015 Partner of the Month

New Legacy Charter School

Urban Land Conservancy celebrates the achievements of its partnerships that create and preserve nonprofit facilities and affordable housing for communities in metro Denver. ULC’s Monthly Partner Spotlight is awarded to partners who demonstrate the value of collaboration, furthering our mission to improve the lives of Denver area residents through our real estate investments and community assets.

New Legacy Charter School brings a new model of educating 2 generations to Original Aurora! This new public charter school, which opened August 31, 2015, offers young male and female parents a rigorous, relevant, and engaging education so they are empowered with the skills needed to raise healthy children and graduate prepared for success in college and careers. The school includes an onsite early learning center which provides a nurturing, high-quality learning environment for the infants and toddlers of New Legacy students and creates a “learning lab” where students can learn child development and parenting skills in a hands-on environment.

ULC was honored to join New Legacy, with stakeholders, funders, community and guest of honor Lieutenant Governor Joe Garcia to celebrate the grand opening of the school at a special ribbon cutting event on September 21^st.  With a standing room only crowd of over 250 supporters, it was clear that an educational community asset like New Legacy has been needed in this community, and will receive great support as the school grows.

“We believe teen parents are resilient and motivated to create positive legacies for their children; we are grateful for the opportunity to empower these students with an educational program that will prepare them and their children for success in the future,” said Jennifer Douglas, Executive Director of New Legacy Charter School.

ULC purchased the 1.7 acre vacant bowling alley in August 2014; the nonprofit’s first impact investment in Aurora. ULC then demolished the bowling alley and oversaw construction of the 23,000 square foot public school in only 8 months thanks to amazing financing with Citywide Banks, great design by architect SLATERPAULL Hord Coplan Macht, the incredible work of contractor JHL Constructors and of course New Legacy’s success in raising 10% of the construction costs. ULC now retains permanent ownership of the site to ensure community benefit for generations and New Legacy operates the school under a long-term lease.

“This is a neighborhood ULC has wanted to work in for years, and with the amazing program of New Legacy, we saw this as the opportunity to invest in something that will make a true impact for generations,” explains Aaron Miripol, ULC CEO and President.

The strategic collaboration between ULC and New Legacy not only brings new jobs and catalytic investment into Original Aurora, but positive opportunities for this unique population.  Only 51% of teen parents graduate from high school nationally, and New Legacy with the help of ULC now enrolls 90 students and 50 children in their program this year. The flexible curriculum and services offered in Aurora will prepare the young people for college and careers.

A student from New Legacy explains, “I AM a good mom. My son will forever be my number one focus and my number one priority. I AM motivated by school and to graduate and to do all that I have to create a better life for my baby and me. I’ll go beyond expectations. I am a believer. I have very high hopes and dreams and plan to be successful.”

ULC chose to highlight New Legacy as this month’s Partner Spotlight because we are so honored to work with such an incredible school, administration and staff that are changing lives on a daily basis. Congratulations New Legacy Charter School on your first year and for being such a strong collaborator in getting this brand new beautiful facility opened! We look forward to many student success stories for years to come.

For more information please visit: www.newlegacycharter.org