Colby Mitchell Backbone Leader of Expanded Learning Collective

About Colby Mitchell

As Backbone Leader of Expanded Learning Collective, Colby is focused on supporting partner organizations in finding new ways to address the gaps and inequities within Teton County's out-of-school time landscape. Having spent the entirety of his career leading out-of-school learning efforts, Colby has seen firsthand the incredible value of these experiences in helping youth discover their passions and potential while creating a path to a fulfilling professional and personal life as adults. While catalyzing systems change takes time, he shares the vision of his collaborators of a Teton County where every young person can experience the profound benefits of out-of-school learning.

Colby is a facilitator and educator with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and administration. Prior to joining the Community Foundation team, Colby held various positions at Teton Science Schools, including Partner Sales Director and Field Education Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Research. These positions taught him the incredible importance of fostering strong, collaborative relationships within and across organizations. Early-career experiences in community-based education had a substantial impact on Colby’s path to this point. As Coordinator of Community and Mentor Programs at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Colby co-led a strategic planning process that centered the voice of key community members, resulting in more relevant and accessible programming, and community partnerships with a high degree of reciprocity.

Colby holds a B.S. in Biology from St. Michael’s College, a M.Ed. from Western Washington University, and a certificate in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership from the North Cascades Institute.

Colby lives in Moose with his partner, Katie, and their cat, May.