Hello Colorado Springs Portal
Welcome to the Pikes Peak region!
Thank you for being a part of our program. We look forward to providing you with an experience that will help propel you and your career to the next level. This will be your access point for all information, updates, and other experience-related content. Explore the tabs below to find all of the details you’ll need to know.
Presenting Sponsor:
- 01
- Events (June)
- Events (July & August)
- Housing Information
- Meet Shameeka
Below is a list of June events for the summer of 2024.
2024 Hello Colorado Springs Move-In Day
*MANDATORY FOR THOSE WITH THE HOUSING OPTION*
June 1 at 12:00pm at Colorado College
Have you heard about the summer move-in party? It’s the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with dorm living and meet other members of the 2024 cohort who are also living on campus. And guess what? There will be awesome giveaways too! Don’t miss out on this fun event.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
2024 Hello Colorado Springs Opening Ceremony
*MANDATORY FOR ALL PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS*
June 6 at 6:30pm at Weidner Field
Are you ready to start your summer off with a bang? Look no further than the upcoming launch of the 2024 Hello Colorado Springs program, taking place at Weidner Field, home to the USL Championship team Switchbacks FC. This event promises an unforgettable evening, filled with networking opportunities among all participants in the 2024 cohort and your company’s leadership. You’ll also receive a welcome package brimming with local goodies, and hear from influential figures such as Mayor Yemi Mobolade, County Commissioner Cami Bremer, and President & CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer. And, to top it all off, you’ll have the chance to play soccer with players from the Switchbacks, and even meet their beloved mascot, Ziggy! Don’t miss out on the incredible start to your summer. Mark your calendar and we’ll see you there!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Legislative Day Event
June 14 at 10:00am Chamber & EDC office (starting location)
Don’t miss your chance to explore, learn, and grow with us! Our adventure starts at the Chamber & EDC office downtown, we will walk to City Hall where we’ll take an exclusive tour and engage in a Q&A session with the City Council in council chambers. Then, we’ll head back to the Chamber & EDC office for lunch with the El Paso County Administrator, County Commissioners, and State Legislators. This is an extraordinary opportunity to connect with elected officials from Colorado Springs, El Paso County, and the State of Colorado and discover the exciting possibilities on the horizon. Seize this opportunity to advance your career and broaden your horizons – sign up now!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Amazing Race
June 21 at 10:00am Chamber & EDC office (starting location)
The Pikes Peak region is comprised of more communities than you can count. The Amazing Race celebrates what has and will continue to make Colorado Springs and El Paso County a wonderful place for all to call home. You will be immersed in the illustrious scenery of Downtown Colorado Springs with a self-guided scavenger hunt. You will collect items and take selfies at historic buildings, award winning restaurants, art instillations, and trendy shops owned by the entrepreneurs that create this rich fabric of community and culture. After a morning of exploration, we will meet at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum for lunch, a panel discussion on ‘Leadership Through the Ages’, networking, and you will end the day exploring the museum.
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, a 60,000-square-foot museum, was not only recently named by USA Today as the nation’s Best New Attraction in 2020 but is also acclaimed for its accessibility and inclusive design. The International Association for Universal Design described the museum as a great example of a museum, and especially exhibit design for all, which embodies so completely the principles of inclusive design by treating all visitors as equal while providing for individual needs in a seamless and elegant whole.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Below is a list of July & August events for the summer of 2024.
Etiquette and Soft Skills Event
July 3 at 6:00pm at Chamber & EDC Office
Are you ready to take your professionalism to the next level? Then join us for an engaging event that will equip you with the skills and knowledge to excel in any business environment. From defining professional behavior to providing standards for appearance, actions, and attitude, we will cover every aspect of etiquette on every level. Our expert instructors will teach you how to navigate different communication styles and adapt to each one. You’ll also learn how to handle a variety of social and business situations with confidence and ease. And to top it off, we’ll provide a delicious dinner for you to thoroughly review dining etiquette. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your professionalism and stand out from the crowd.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Cog Railway
July 12 at 9:00am at Cog Railway Depot
Are you ready to embark on a thrilling adventure? Imagine taking the first step towards an epic journey that will lead you to the top of a 14,115-foot National Historic Landmark! This striking mountain of granite, shaped over millions of years by icy glaciers, has been a sacred place for the Ute Indians long before anyone explored the region. The Utes called it Ta-Wa-Ah-Gath or “Sun Mountain Sitting Big.” As you make your way through the 9-mile trek, get ready to be mesmerized by the stunning scenery and diverse wildlife, from the majestic elk, foxes, and coyotes to the adorable yellow-bellied marmots that whistle above the timberline. And when you finally reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Pikes Peak region that will leave you speechless! This is an adventure that has captivated generations of explorers and travelers with its natural beauty and inspired the song of a nation. So, what are you waiting for? Come and be a part of this amazing journey!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Lunch & Learn at Catalyst Campus
July 16 at 11:30 pm at Catalyst Campus
Catalyst Campus has three campuses that provide a lively environment where software engineers, entrepreneurs, industry experts, and government officials can collaborate. This unique ecosystem encourages the exchange of ideas, knowledge sharing, and fast innovation. It’s a rare environment that fosters collaboration effectively. Their mission is to advance innovative and disruptive technologies providing a platform to incubate, accelerate and decrease ‘time to market’ for technologies that support government missions. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn more about Catalyst Campus and all that it has to offer our region!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Lockheed Martin Space: Tour of Waterton Campus
July 19 at 9 am Chamber & EDC office (starting location)
*REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE JUNE 3, 2023*
Lockheed Martin Space’s Waterton Campus in Littleton, Colorado is where cutting-edge work is being done that you don’t want to miss! Get an exclusive opportunity to experience a private tour of the facility and find out what the fuss is all about. Martin/Martin is Lockheed Martin’s trusted partner for over 25 years. Their engineers have an in-depth knowledge of Lockheed Martin staff and understanding of the company’s design requirements, security measures, and confidentiality that allows them to proactively identify and tackle potential project challenges. The expansive new center produces next-generation satellites and consolidates all Lockheed test chambers under one roof. If you’re looking to witness what next-gen technology looks like in real-time, this is the event for you!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Speed Networking
July 23 at 6:00pm at Fine Arts Center
Looking to elevate your career to new heights? Join us for Speed Networking – an exciting exchange inspired by the Space Foundation that brings together up-and- coming professionals like you with influential senior leaders. At these events, you’ll gain exclusive insights, essential career tips, and invaluable exposure to community influencers, elected officials, and industry trailblazers. By attending, you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of critical industry and community issues, as well as create meaningful connections that can help you achieve your professional goals. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see the potential of your future home, the Pikes Peak region, and make your mark on the industry. Sign up for Speed Networking today!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
COS You Care
July 27 at 10:00am at TBD
Have you ever thought about the impact you could make in someone’s life? It’s a ripple effect that can inspire generations. Here’s your chance to give back by volunteering with a local organization that serves underrepresented communities. As a volunteer, you’ll learn more about their mission and take part in a community project that will help make a difference not only in our city but also in the lives of countless young people. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to make a lasting impact. Join us in creating a brighter future for our community.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
2024 Hello Colorado Springs Closing Ceremony
August 1 at 5:00 pm location TBD
Let’s take a moment celebrate you, the amazing future leader of the Pikes Peak region! The Closing Ceremony is the cherry on top of the 2024 Hello Colorado Springs program. This event is the perfect way to wrap up an incredible summer and it’s a fantastic opportunity to recognize this talented cohort and their companies.
But it’s not just about the speeches and awards, it’s about the memories and friendships that have been formed. It’s a time to relax and enjoy the company of some truly amazing people.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Here is What You Need to Know:
What are the houses like?
The average house has 16 rooms with 4 bedrooms to a floor. Most of the houses do not have bedrooms on the first floor. Every floor has its own bathroom. Each house has one shared kitchen and common room. There are no microwaves in the shared kitchen.
Who will be responsible for cleaning the house once I move in?
Young professionals will be responsible for keeping their room and common areas clean. There will be a midpoint cleaning of bathrooms and other common spaces. Trash can be left outside the home once a week and maintenance staff will dispose of it.
What furniture is supplied?
Each unit is supplied with a bed, mattress, a desk, a desk chair, a dresser, a wastebasket, and a closet or wardrobe. There is a refrigerator in the main space. Linens will also be provided.
What items should I think about bringing?
- Caddy to store/carry shower items
- Desk supplies
- Hangers
- Waste Basket
- Laundry basket/bag/detergent
- Umbrella
- Towels
- Blanket
Is there anything I cannot bring?
- Electrical appliances (Halogen lamps, electric blankets, space heaters, heat lamps)
- Kitchen appliances (The only things permitted are coffee pots with automatic shut-offs)
- Flammable items (Incense, candles, gasoline, propane, sterno, and hookahs)
- Animals (No animals, other than fish or crustaceans that live underwater, are permitted.) If you are requesting an ESA or a Service Animal please reach out to the program coordinator.
- Excessive amounts of furniture (Lofts, waterbeds, personal desks or beds)
- Weapons (Guns, ammunition, pellet guns, air guns, smoke devices, bow and arrows, large knives, and fireworks)
- Large stereo bass units (Subwoofers). These create a loud disturbance to surrounding rooms. Stereos without these units are acceptable.
May I bring an air conditioner?
Air conditioners are not permitted in the residence halls.
Where do I do laundry?
Laundry is located at Hybl Community Center, immediately adjacent to the East Campus Apartments, & is free of charge.
Are there kitchen facilities available?
There is a common area kitchen and living room in each house.
Will there be parking available?
Parking will be provided at an additional cost.
Is there a gym?
Yes, but this is at an additional cost and must be reserved ahead of time. If you’d like more information, please contact Shameeka Ford.
Is there a meal plan?
No, there is no meal plan option.
Can spouses join?
Spouses are welcome at an additional cost. Contact Shameeka Ford for more information.
Hello, I’m Shameeka!
I’m your point of contact for the Hello Colorado Springs program.
My background in community building through developing future talent and workforce in our region started with my work at New Hope Outreach Ministries over 20 years ago. While serving in the southeast at NVCC, I created and managed two successful reading and tutoring programs for children aged 5-16. I have led workshops for Educating Children of Color, taught both high schoolers and young adults at Pikes Peak State College, and continue to mentor young students throughout the community. My community involvement and engagement with organizations like the multicultural chambers of commerce, El Pomar’s Elevating Leadership Development program, as well as my extensive background and certifications in DEI, make me a champion in advocating for unrepresented talent in the region. With over 15 years of combined experience in business, educational instruction, nonprofit leadership, and C-suite management, I pride myself on creating and implementing successful development strategies and processes.
I have been in Colorado Springs since the mid-90s and have watched this city flourish and transform into one of this nation’s top places to live, work, and play. It is an honor to contribute to the future of this great city and help recruit, retain, and engage the future talent that will call Colorado Springs and El Paso County home.
Please contact me by phone or email:
719.238.5818.