Out-of-School-Time Champion: Kourtnie Roberts

D2 Harrison Schools, Colorado Springs

Kourtnie consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership in overseeing multiple programs while maintaining a strong focus on youth development, STEM engagement, and academic achievement—particularly in mathematics. Her ability to manage day-to-day operations across multiple sites with efficiency and consistency ensures that programs run smoothly while providing students with meaningful learning opportunities.

A key strength of this supervisor is her ability to cultivate strong community partnerships that expand opportunities for students and families. Through these partnerships, they have helped introduce engaging STEM-focused programming that encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and real-world application of math and science skills. Initiatives such as family engagement nights, STEM Challenge events, and a summer STEM camp have provided students with exciting hands-on learning experiences while strengthening connections between families, schools, and community partners.

Kourtnie is also known for being consistently available and supportive to site staff. She leads by example and is always willing to step in when needed, whether assisting with program coordination, supporting staff during high-demand periods, or helping troubleshoot challenges across program sites. Her hands-on approach demonstrates a genuine commitment to supporting staff and ensuring that youth programs operate effectively.

Equally important is Kourtnie's focus on student achievement. By intentionally integrating STEM learning opportunities and reinforcing mathematical thinking through engaging activities, she has helped create programs that not only inspire students but also support academic growth. Staff feel encouraged to collaborate and innovate under this leadership, resulting in programs that foster both student confidence and academic success.

One of the most impactful accomplishments led by Kourtnie was the coordination and implementation of a program-wide STEM Challenge that engaged youth across multiple program sites. This initiative brought together several community partners to provide students with hands-on STEM experiences designed to build problem-solving skills, encourage teamwork, and strengthen mathematical thinking.

The supervisor played a central role in organizing the challenge from start to finish. She coordinated partnerships, designed and distributed multi-week STEM activities leading up to the event, and ensured that all program sites had the lessons, materials, and supplies needed to fully participate. Staff were provided with ready-to-use lesson plans, activity guides, and materials, allowing them to focus on engaging students in meaningful learning experiences.

The hands-on challenges encouraged students to apply STEM concepts in creative ways while working collaboratively with peers. Activities emphasized critical thinking, experimentation, and perseverance—skills that support both STEM engagement and academic growth in mathematics and science.

This project not only created an exciting culminating event for students but also strengthened program consistency across sites and supported staff in delivering high-quality STEM programming. As a result, youth participation and enthusiasm increased, staff reported greater confidence in facilitating STEM activities, and families saw firsthand the meaningful learning opportunities being offered through the program.

Kourtnie works tirelessly to ensure that students have access to exciting, meaningful learning experiences. Their commitment to youth engagement and high-quality programming is evident in the way she consistently goes above and beyond to make sure students never miss out on opportunities to learn and explore.

A great example of this occurred during a planned STEM activity when a community partner had to cancel at the last minute. Rather than allowing the event to fall through or disappointing the students who were looking forward to the experience, Kourtnie quickly stepped in and developed alternative STEM activities so the program could continue as planned.

Within a short time, she organized hands-on challenges and engaging activities that kept students excited and actively participating. Staff were supported with clear guidance and materials, allowing the event to move forward smoothly despite the unexpected change.

Because of this quick thinking and dedication, students still experienced a fun and meaningful STEM learning opportunity. What could have been a disappointing situation instead became a successful event that demonstrated Kourtnie's commitment to both students and staff.

-David Jarboe