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Emily Griffith Technical College

Denver, CO

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About Emily Griffith Technical College

Denver's trailblazing technical college, building futures for all who wish to learn.

Emily Griffith Technical College, born from the visionary dream of Denver educator Emily Griffith, has been a beacon of opportunity since 1916. Founded on the principle "For All Who Wish To Learn," it continues its legacy as "Denver's most Unique Technical College," dedicated to providing accessible, practical education that adapts to the evolving needs of the community. From its humble beginnings as the "Opportunity School," it has transformed countless lives, making skilled trades and essential services available to everyone.

The college's inspiring story began with Emily Griffith's ambitious vision, brought to life in 1916 when she secured the condemned Longfellow School. What started as a simple idea quickly blossomed into a vital institution. By 1954, the school was serving an incredible 10,000 students annually and boasted over 400,000 alumni, a testament to its profound impact on the Denver community and beyond. It even made a unique mark on media history, pioneering Denver's public television broadcasts from a studio within its auto body shop starting in 1956.

Emily Griffith Technical College is renowned for its commitment to relevant, hands-on learning. Its curriculum has consistently evolved to meet the demands of the modern workforce, adapting from traditional programs to vital new areas such as English as a Second Language and comprehensive healthcare courses. This forward-thinking approach ensures that students gain immediately applicable skills, preparing them for successful careers and fostering an inclusive learning environment where every individual, regardless of their background, can acquire the knowledge and expertise needed to thrive.

Under the leadership of President Randy Johnson, Emily Griffith Technical College remains a dynamic hub for vocational training, offering pathways to success for a diverse student body. It truly embodies its founding spirit, continuing to empower individuals with the education and skills necessary to achieve their personal and professional aspirations.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1916 as the "Opportunity School" with the enduring motto, "For All Who Wish To Learn."
  • ✦A historic institution that served 10,000 students annually by 1954, boasting over 400,000 alumni.
  • ✦Pioneered public television in Denver, broadcasting from its auto body shop starting in 1956.
  • ✦Continuously adapts its curriculum, adding crucial programs like English as a Second Language and healthcare courses.
  • ✦Recognized as "Denver's most Unique Technical College," known for its practical, community-focused education.

Timeline

1915
Denver educator Emily Griffith shared her dream of opening a school to serve people of all ages and interests.
1916
Emily Griffith received the condemned Longfellow School from the Denver Board of Education in May.
1916
Opportunity School opened on September 9.
1954
The school served 10,000 students annually and had over 400,000 alumni.
1956
Public television in Denver signed on January 30, from a studio in an auto body shop at the school.
1991
The school began charging Denver residents tuition due to declining funding.
1990
Mid-1990s: Courses changed with community needs, adding English as a second language and healthcare, while closing other programs.

Leadership

Randy Johnson
Executive Director

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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