About Us
Get to Know More
YAASPA was founded in 2010 by Dr. Mackey and her husband, based on their academic and career experiences. As a Black race scholar activist born and raised in Colorado, Dr. Mackey became deeply aware of the challenges youth face in navigating academic and career development in the social sciences, particularly within the context of the Colorado Paradox. This phenomenon highlights that only 25% of 9th graders in Colorado go on to earn a college degree, with many requiring remediation.
In response, career pathways have been established in business, fine arts, health sciences, and STEM to build youth self-efficacy. However, these pathways are often created through a top-down, labor market-driven approach, leaving little room for youth interested in social justice careers.
YAASPA was established to fill this gap by fostering self-efficacy in the social sciences through community organizing, advocacy, and key programs, including:
- Civic Engagement in Community and Career – A course designed to deepen civic literacy and engagement.
- Scholarship Fairs – Providing opportunities for students to access funding for higher education.
- Social Sciences and Policy Institutes – Equipping youth with knowledge and skills to pursue careers in policy and advocacy.
- College Partnerships – A new collaboration with the Community College of Aurora offering two-year scholarships for students pursuing social science degrees.
Year of being in business and impacting change
Disbursed annually to increase youth’s economic mobility
Reported increase in awareness of identity
Report increased awareness of how to support their own mental health
YAASPA also works collaboratively with organizations to advocate for educational equity and social justice. Through its programming, youth are cultivated to:
- Increase academic and career self-efficacy
- Develop a strong awareness of racial identity
- Strengthen civic literacy
- Engage actively in their communities
By fulfilling its motto, “Redefine the standards to pull down the barriers,” YAASPA empowers youth to become co-authors of their academic and career paths. Research shows that youth of color thrive when they understand their identities and see representation within their communities. YAASPA challenges the systemic and psychological barriers perpetuated by neoliberal, individualistic narratives that erase the intersectionality of youth identity in career development. Instead, the organization fosters youth leadership to dismantle oppressive systems and build bridges between marginalized communities.
Meet Our Leadership
Experienced Co-Founder and CEO with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Skilled in Philanthropy, Community Organizing, Community Engagement, Policy Analysis, and Social Justice, and Racial Equity. Strong business development professional, researcher, and scholar activist with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Higher Education with Public Policy and Curriculum and Instruction emphases from the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver.
Contact
- info@yaaspa.net
PO Box 202092
Denver, CO 80220