Started in 2009, Growing Up Boulder* is now one of the most 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.

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Our Mission

To empower Boulder’s young people with
opportunities for inclusion, influence, and deliberation
​on local issues which affect their lives.

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“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

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.

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News & Updates

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Meet Our Amazing Director & Co-Founder Mara Mintzer

Meet our amazing director and co-founder Mara Minzter 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!​

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

With societal closures of spaces for teens to occupy and freely explore, many teens are feeling a growing frustration for the lack of spaces to socialize in. Remote classes, postponed intramurals, and closed public institutions, are all posing as obstacles to the social lives of teens. As these outlets for teens remain in minimal operation, a call to heed the importance of access to urban green space is being heard. See the critical input given by teens on the importance of access to urban green spaces. Hear more about how GUB is eliciting teens' input and opinions on local topics, in this Voyage Denver interview with Mara Mintzer.

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COVID-19-Compatible Learning Provided by the Great Outdoors

Outdoor learning is an invaluable experience, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Not only is learning outdoors safer from the virus, but learning outside helps students become more curious, focused, and engaged in the world around them. 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.

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​​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.

Lerato is a Senior at Boulder High School and one of Growing Up Boulder's Youth Leaders.  With a passion for political activism, Lerato will contribute to Growing Up Boulder's programming and board activities. Click here to learn more about our award-winning Youth Leaders.  

More News & Media Coverage

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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.