Sign up for our first-ever GUB FUNdraiser 
Where Kids Are in Charge and Pajamas Are Cocktail Attire

On May 4th, from 5:30-6:30 pm MT, we invite you to celebrate our legacy as one of the nation’s and world’s most successful child-friendly city initiatives, while raising funds to establish Colorado as a model child-friendly state. A lifelong champion for including the voices of young people in government, U.S. Congressman​ Joe Neguse, will kick off this interactive ZoomRaiser. Children and teens from Boulder and across the globe (!) will take you on a tour of child-friendly Boulder, share how they are changing the world, and inspire you to take action.  Can't make the time?  Sign up for the event, and we'll send you the recording after it is finished.

Meet our wonderful kid emcee team and learn more about how your contribution(s) will make a difference HERE. 
Started in 2009, Growing Up Boulder is now one of the most successful and comprehensive child-friendly city initiatives in the United States. It has inspired municipal leaders, educators and community advocates from around the world. We pride ourselves on meaningful, inclusive, place-based programming and engagements that connect local youth with opportunities to provide critical input on matters of city planning, education, sustainability, social justice and human rights.

Our Mission

To empower Boulder’s young people with
opportunities for inclusion, influence, and deliberation
​on local issues which affect their lives.
“Growing Up Boulder’s expertise and impact on child participation in urban planning continues
to inspire UNICEF USA. We are grateful to have their partnership in building a movement to
re-imagine cities fit for children and fit for all.”

                                  - Danielle Goldberg,
​                                Director of Advocacy and Engagement, ​Child-Friendly City Initiative (CFCI) Lead UNICEF USA

News & Updates


​#BoulderStrong

Winter 2021- What Inspires Mara Mintzer, Growing Up Boulder Director & Co-Founder?

Meet our amazing director and co-founder Mara Mintzer through her Voyage Denver interview! Click here to read about the work she does through Growing Up Boulder, her co-authored book, TEDx  talk, and more of her story!​

Spring 2021 - KGNU Radio Interview with a 6th Grade Program Alumni Advocating for Kids Voices 

Child- and Youth-Friendly Initiative Inspires Municipal Leaders, Educators, Community Advocates - on KGNU's "Public Affairs" (March 22nd, 2021). Listen HERE to hear from a local 6th grader who has been at the center Growing Up Boulder's movement since she was in preschool.

Winter 2021- COVID-19-Compatible Learning Provided by the Great Outdoors 

Outdoor learning is an invaluable experience, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Growing Up Boulder is participating in initiatives from the local to national level that integrate youth and parent voice into  outdoor learning plans.  See how our most recent engagements have drawn the community's attention here.

​​Britannica for Parents: "Are cities built for me?"

Growing Up Boulder was honored in Encyclopedia Britannica's Raising Curious Learners podcast, where our very own Mara Mintzer inspired listeners to take a closer look at the value of youth in our communities. Listen by clicking the play button above, or clicking here.

Lerato Osnes Receives the "2020 Women
​Who Light Up The Community - Youth Honoree Award"

Lerato received the Boulder Chamber's prestigious "Women Who Light Up The Community Award" on September 24th in honor of her distinguished leadership and contributions to the Boulder community.  Click here to learn more about our award-winning Youth Leaders.

Teens Offer Critical Input on Importance of Access to Urban Green Spaces During the Pandemic

Remote classes, postponed intramurals, and closed public institutions, are all posing as obstacles to the social lives of teens. Explore the critical input given by teens on the importance of access to urban green spaces. 

Placemaking Pioneers

In 2019, Growing Up Boulder embarked upon a year-long process to co-create the
nation's first, printed, bilingual, child-friendly city map.

Our Partners, Funders, & Collaborators 

Growing Up Boulder Resources

Click on the images below to learn more about GUB resources, including books, maps, and talks, created by GUB team members, past and present.
*Growing Up Boulder (GUB) is a child-friendly city initiative and partnership between the City of Boulder, Boulder Valley School District, and University of Colorado's Community Engagement Design and Research (CEDaR) Center.  Our programs have been including young people in city decision-making for more than 10 years.

    Growing Up Boulder Newsletter
© COPYRIGHT 2015. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  •