Policy & Advocacy Institute
Turning Systems Insight Into Public Action
The Sims-Fayola Policy & Advocacy Institute is the Foundation's policy and systems infrastructure dedicated to improving outcomes for boys and young men of color. Grounded in Vision 2030, the Institute translates research, lived experience, community voice, and proof-point implementation into practical policy solutions, stronger institutions, and lasting systems change.
Working alongside educators, policymakers, researchers, community leaders, philanthropy, and young people themselves, the Institute helps shape the policies, partnerships, and public conversations that influence opportunity across Colorado and beyond.
Systems Change
Aligning institutions to remove barriers and innovate for equity at scale.
Policy Advocacy
Translating field insights into actionable recommendations that shape legislation.
Collective Impact
Convening partners across sectors to build coordinated ecosystems of support.
Evaluation & Learning
Engaging in rigorous evaluation to ensure quality policy recommendations.
Why The Institute Exists
The systems shaping the lives of boys and young men of color were intentionally designed over time Improving those outcomes requires more than isolated interventions. It requires strengthening the public systems, institutional practices, leadership structures, and policy decisions that influence opportunity every day.
The Policy & Advocacy Institute exists to help communities move beyond identifying problems toward designing stronger systems capable of producing better outcomes.
Our Role Within Vision 2030
The Policy & Advocacy Institute serves as the strategic engine of Vision 2030. While other areas of the Foundation develop leaders, implement proof-point initiatives, and generate knowledge, the Institute translates those lessons into policy recommendations, systems improvement strategies, public engagement, and collective action.
The Institute connects implementation with influence.
It helps ensure that what is learned in communities contributes to lasting institutional change.
The Sims-Fayola Policy & Advocacy Institute (SFPIA) is the strategic engine of Vision 2030, advancing equity for boys and young men of color through bold policy advocacy, systems change, and collective impact across Colorado.
Vision 2030
Institute Initiatives
State of Boys & Young Men
Annual research and policy report examining trends, opportunities, and recommendations.
Policy Briefs & Publications
Research-informed recommendations supporting educators, practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders.
Theory of Change
The Foundation believes that the outcomes experienced by boys and young men of color are largely determined by the quality of the systems in which they live. When those systems operate in isolation, create inconsistent expectations, or fail to coordinate resources effectively, disparities persist regardless of individual organizations' commitment. The Policy & Advocacy Institute exists to strengthen those systems.
By generating practical evidence through the Foundation's demonstration initiatives, convening cross-sector leaders around shared priorities, producing research grounded in community experience, developing leaders capable of influencing public systems, and advancing evidence-informed public policy, the Institute helps communities create stronger systems of belonging. Over time, those stronger systems increase opportunity, improve coordination, and create the conditions necessary for boys and young men of color to thrive.
Help Shape
Better Systems
Meaningful systems change requires educators, policymakers, researchers, nonprofit leaders, community organizations, philanthropy, businesses, and residents working together.
Whether you are interested in joining the Policy Council, collaborating on research, advancing policy solutions, or strengthening systems within your own organization, the Institute welcomes opportunities to work alongside leaders committed to improving outcomes for boys and young men of color.