Assets for Colorado Youth, The Veterans of Hope Project, and The Colorado Trust partnered to capture renowned elders in the African American, Latino, and Asian communities expressing their views on the importance of family, teachers, and community in one's life. Some of our nation's most instrumental leaders for freedom and equality describe the significant impact that role models and caring individuals played in shaping their lives, exhorting the importance of youth asset building.

One of the elders featured in the Expect Great Things video, Dr. Vincent Harding recently commented, "The significance of positive adult relationships in a young person's life is not a new concept. But in today's world, we're having to re-acquaint ourselves with this important principle." Dr. Harding is founder and co-chairperson of the Veterans of Hope Project in Denver and resident professor at the Iliff School of Theology. He is one of twelve elders featured in the Expect Great Things program.

Dr. Maria Guajardo Lucero, Executive Director of Assets for Colorado Youth says, "It is our obligation to ensure that young people understand their past, become comfortable with their personal cultural identity, and recognize the importance and practice of positive values. This video, when used alongside the asset framework, begins to shape a brighter future for youth."
Assets for Colorado Youth is a statewide initiative building developmental assets, essential elements which research has shown that all young people need to succeed. Assets for Colorado Youth provides leadership, training, and innovative resources to strengthen asset-building efforts in Colorado and nationally.

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