Cultural Enrichment Center of Fort Collins

The Cultural Enrichment Center of Fort Collins (CEC) is a nonprofit organization based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Established in 2020, the CEC focuses on addressing the cultural, academic, career, and social needs of middle school and high school African American students in the local community.

Mission and Purpose

The primary mission of the CEC is to create a safe and inclusive space where Black and African American youth can authentically express themselves without judgment. This is achieved through a variety of programs that incorporate folklore, art, music, language, dance, and learning about African American history and literature. By facilitating these experiences, the CEC aims to build confidence and foster a strong sense of community connection among its participants. The center also seeks to develop a foundation that empowers young people to become leaders and active contributors to their community[1][2].

Programs and Activities

The CEC offers a range of activities designed to culturally enrich the lives of its participants. These programs are tailored to provide a unique perspective on the African American experience through arts, history, and traditions. Additionally, the center provides after-school programs that emphasize leadership building, allowing participants to discover their individual leadership styles and express themselves positively[1][4].

Founder and Leadership

The Cultural Enrichment Center was founded by Jamal Skinner, who serves as its Executive Director. Skinner's vision for the CEC was inspired by the need for a community space where young Black people could find support and a sense of belonging in Fort Collins. His personal experiences growing up in a predominantly white community motivated him to create this necessary space for African American youth[2][3].

Future Plans and Challenges

Currently, the CEC operates with limited capacity due to spatial constraints. The organization is working towards securing a larger space to expand its programming and serve a broader demographic, including younger children. Skinner is committed to sustaining the CEC, emphasizing the importance of community support for organizations like the CEC to fulfill their mission effectively[2].

[1] https://jacobcenter.org/resource/black-and-african-american-youth/ [2] https://uwaylc.org/agency-spotlight-the-cultural-enrichment-center/ [3] https://fococec.org/contact/ [4] https://fococec.org [5] https://www.instagram.com/cec_foco/