Jan. 19, 2025 Peter and The Wolf
We brought the BIPOC youth group Dandelions Rising to a family-friendly symphony event featuring works by Lucas Richman, Gregory Smith, and Sergei Prokofiev. The concert opened with Be a Conductor, an interactive piece that taught young audiences how to lead an orchestra. The group then experienced Peter and the Wolf, narrated by Gregory Smith and brought to life by dancers from Canyon Concert Ballet, introducing youth to orchestral instruments through a classic story of bravery.
They also enjoyed Smith’s Zoo Song, a musical adventure following a young girl through a zoo as various animals are portrayed through sound. The event provided an engaging, educational experience, complete with free animal masks and temporary tattoos, giving Dandelions Rising a memorable and inspiring day at the symphony.
Jan. 20, 2025 MLK March and Volunteering
Dandelions Rising proudly participated in this year’s MLK Day events, joining the community in a day of marching, service, and art in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The youth arrived in their Dandelion attire to show unity, pride, and support for the BIPOC community as the day began with a march from Washington Park to the Lory Student Center.
Once on campus, they attended the MLK program featuring powerful speakers and performances. Afterward, the group contributed to the Day of Service by helping sort winter clothing for the unhoused community in partnership with Homeward Alliance. The youth also took part in a collective mural-painting project, adding their voices to a community artwork celebrating justice, resilience, and creativity.
Feb. 1-2, 2025 Engineer A World of Difference, hosted by National Society of Black Engineers and STEM Engineering Event
On Feb. 2, 2025, we kicked off Black History Month with an exciting STEM Engineering event at Foothills Mall that celebrated diversity in the field. The event featured hands-on activities, insightful discussions, and interactive demonstrations. Louise Culter of Louise Culter Studio kicked off the event, announcing the start of Black History Month. Be sure to check out her upcoming community activities!
The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) led a bridge-building activity and a Q&A session about their experiences as Black engineering students. STEM 4 Kids hosted Paper Stomp Rockets, and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) led a slingshot challenge and shared insights about women in engineering. The Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) brought a racing simulator and 3D-printed skeletons, and I2P (Idea2Product Program) offered 3D puzzles and customizable keychains. The event also featured contributions of students in Electrical and Computer Engineering, making it a day of inspiration, learning, and community. Stay tuned for more activities in our Community Activity section!
Feb. 23, 2025 Skate Night
On February 23, the Dandelions Rising community kicked off the semester with an incredible skate party at Roller Land in Fort Collins! Nearly 145 people came out for a fun-filled evening of skating, games, and connection. Guests enjoyed a delicious expense-free dinner from Torchy’s Tacos before hitting the rink for classic skating games like skate limbo, skate splits, and red light-green light.
It was a fantastic opportunity for families and friends to connect, let loose, and start the semester on a high note. A huge thank you to everyone who came out to make the night so special—we can’t wait for more fun ahead this semester!
March 9, 2025 Colorism, Microaggressions, and Bullying
On March 9, we hosted an engaging and impactful event focused on important topics like colorism, microaggressions, and bullying. The youth participated in interactive activities designed to foster self-expression, empathy, and community building. They created empowering vision boards, engaged in a kindness web activity, and watched thought-provoking videos that encouraged discussions on these critical issues.
Meanwhile, the adults explored the same themes in their session, diving into meaningful conversations about how to support and guide youth in navigating these challenges. After the sessions, everyone came together to share a meal, strengthening our sense of community and reflection on the day’s discussions. The event was a powerful opportunity for learning, connection, and growth for both youth and adults.
Mixed Identities and Multigenerational Curriculum Night
The Mixed Identities and Multigenerational Curriculum Night was a tremendous success. The evening started with parents and youth being paired with individuals outside their immediate families to foster fresh perspectives. The event commenced with a video presentation and discussions surrounding stereotypes of mixed identities, allowing participants to share whether they agreed or disagreed with these notions.
Following the initial discussions, attendees engaged in a “Mixed Identities Bingo” activity, where families mingled to find individuals representing the diverse cultures listed on their cards. The evening concluded with a fun game of multigenerational Pictionary, where participants guessed items from various generations; the parents emerged as clear winners.
Overall, it was a delightful evening filled with meaningful conversations about the complexities of mixed identities across generations.
April 13, 2025 Career Exploration Day
On April 13, the Dandelions gathered for a fun evening of discovery at the Morgan Library, where a playful scavenger hunt invited families to explore the space and feel at home among its shelves. With four different paths, each group—guided by maps, clues, and supportive adults—followed a trail of hidden stickers while learning about inspiring BIPOC individuals represented throughout the library.
Laughter echoed through the halls as kids searched high and low, collecting memories and snapping photos to upload at the final stop using a special QR code. After the hunt, everyone came together to enjoy a delicious catered dinner, sharing stories from the adventure and celebrating a night filled with curiosity, connection, and joy. Thanks to the thoughtful planning and a sprinkle of behind-the-scenes magic, the library came alive as a space not just for reading, but for belonging.
