Can coffee change a life? Prodigy Ventures thinks so.
With support from Pinnacol Assurance, the nonprofit is using the craft coffee industry to create career pathways for young adults disconnected from traditional education and employment.
Through its apprenticeship model, Prodigy invites 18–24-year-olds from low-income and historically marginalized communities into a paid, hands-on learning experience that blends craftsmanship with personal growth. Apprentices learn job skills, develop professional confidence, and build the stability needed for long-term economic mobility.
Many participants face barriers such as housing instability, trauma, or limited access to education and work opportunities. Yet through mentorship and structure, the program helps them reconnect to their potential and to Colorado’s workforce.
During the 2024 grant cycle, Prodigy achieved measurable outcomes:
"At Prodigy, we believe that when young people are given the tools of craftsmanship and a supportive community, they can rewrite their own futures. Pinnacol’s investment allows us to provide the stability and mentorship our apprentices need to step into the workforce with confidence and purpose." said Jeslin Shahrezaei, Executive Director of Prodigy Ventures.
Pinnacol’s community investments reflect our commitment to protecting Colorado’s workforce, helping injured workers return to their jobs and strengthening the state’s business climate.
In 2025, we awarded $280,621 in grant funding to 17 nonprofit partners advancing these goals.
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