Out-of-School-Time Champion: Mariam Mohammed

Kids At Their Best, Fort Morgan, CO

Mariam consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication to youth, families, and their team by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported. As a site leader, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that programming is accessible to all youth in the community, particularly those who may face language or cultural barriers.

Through strong relationships with families and deep cultural understanding, Mariam has helped create a program where Somali youth feel seen, included, and excited to participate. Their efforts to communicate with parents, build trust, and ensure programming reflects the needs of the community have significantly strengthened engagement at the site.

Mariam's reliability, passion, and care for the youth they serve have helped build a thriving program that consistently serves 20–25 students daily. Many of these youth would otherwise go straight home after school without access to enrichment, mentorship, and a safe space. Through their leadership and commitment, Mariam has elevated the afterschool experience for youth, families, and staff while strengthening inclusion within the broader community.

One of Mariam's most significant accomplishments has been ensuring that afterschool programming is fully accessible and welcoming to Somali youth and their families. Recognizing that many families may face barriers to participation, they worked intentionally to build trust with parents, communicate the value of the program, and ensure youth felt comfortable joining and staying engaged.

Through these efforts, Mariam has built a consistently strong program that serves 20–25 students daily. This level of engagement reflects the trust families place in the program and the welcoming environment Mariam has created. Their ability to bridge cultural connections between the school day and afterschool programming has helped ensure that youth feel supported in both spaces.

This accomplishment has not only increased participation but has also strengthened relationships between families and the program, helping create a more inclusive and responsive OST site.

Mariam's impact is most visible in the relationships they build with youth. Because they work closely with students during the school day, they are able to continue those connections afterschool, creating a sense of continuity, trust, and belonging for the youth they serve.

Students who might initially feel hesitant or unsure about joining the program quickly feel comfortable because they know there is a trusted adult who understands their background and supports them. This relationship helps youth feel welcome not only in the program but within the broader school community.

Through their consistent presence, mentorship, and care, Mariam has helped create a space where youth feel safe, valued, and excited to participate. Their work has strengthened the connection between families, youth, and programming in ways that continue to positively impact the entire community.