Our Beginning: Uplifting Educators

Champions for Children JH was born from a shared vision among three pioneering early childhood education centers in Teton County—Children’s Learning Center, Jackson Hole Children’s Museum, and Teton Literacy Center. Together, they created a platform to shine a spotlight on the essential work of educators, whose passion and dedication form the backbone of our community.

A Strategic Transition to Expanded Learning Collective

Champions for Children JH’s impact grew to naturally align with a broader regional education vision. In 2023, the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole launched the Education and Families Initiative, partnering directly with the Expanded Learning Collective (formerly Systems of Education) to support equitable, high-quality out-of-school learning across Teton County.
Formed in 2010 and comprising over 35 local education nonprofits, agencies, and community leaders, the Expanded Learning Collective focuses on breaking down barriers to access, supporting educator recruitment and retention, and strengthening program-family connections
Champions for Children JH has now transitioned into this broader, unified collective—bringing its passions, programs, and local expertise into a shared platform aimed at ensuring every youth can thrive in out-of-school learning.
EmPowerED Symposium

Honoring the Changemakers

At the heart of our impact lies EmPowerED: Celebrating the Power of Early Childhood Educators—an annual symposium dedicated to honoring, from the stage, those educators who go above and beyond.

Why EmPowerED Matters

  • It’s about the people: The event centers educators celebrating their dedication, innovation, and leadership.
  • It’s community-driven: From nominations by peers and families, to shared conversations, the symposium deepens engagement around early childhood education.
  • It elevates the cause: By highlighting the work of outstanding educators, EmPowerED rallies support, awareness, and resources for the field.

A Call to Community

Champions for Children JH’s legacy lives on in the educators it has celebrated, the children it has served, and the collaborative spirit it inspired. Now, as part of the Expanded Learning Collective, this legacy is amplified.

Together, we continue building pathways to learning, connection, and success for every child guided by data, strengthened through community, and energized by shared vision.

Thank you for being part of this journey. We remain committed to creating a future in which every child in Teton County has access to supportive, enriching environments that nurture their potential during all the foundational years they are learning and growing.
Help us explore and utilize innovative strategies to recruit, retain, and support the staff members that make our services exceptional. Show your support — let’s discover solutions that engage new resources, incorporate new voices, and ultimately deliver what young children need most.
BECOME A CHAMPION