Kristi M. presenter

Quota’s June dinner meeting with delicious appetizers and desserts was truly special! We were so fortunate that our very own member Kristin M. was our guest presenter! Kristi taught us all about the amazing life of Emily Griffith and the dynamic accompaniments Ms. Griffith achieved throughout her lifetime. Emily proved her commitment to what it takes when you set your mind to your passion – you can accomplish so much! Kristi thank you for teaching us about Emily Griffith and sharing your personal experience as an educator at the Emily Griffith Technology College. Thank you Kristi!

The legacy of Emily Griffith
Emily was born in 1868 and was the eldest daughter of an attorney. Emily had an older brother and 2 sisters. When in school her uncle was a teacher who lived on a boat which became a floating boat. On his boat was a hand made sign that read “For All Who Wish To Learn”. This saying became a motto that stayed with Emily throughout her life. Emily Griffith was a pioneer and visionary of adult education and a teacher who inspired her students, especially women.

At the age of 16 she approached a 3-member school board to become the areas teacher. Although they considered her to “naïve” she was hired and her training to become a teacher was two weeks and her salary was $25.00 a week.

At the age of 27, Emily moved to Denver and was hired by Denver Public Schools as a substitute teacher and was later granted a teaching certificate. On her own time, she began offering classes for parents and working with children during lunch hours and in the evening taught math and reading. The night classes were a special challenge since the school had no electricity. Her students brought their own lanterns enabling them to continue learning.  During this time Emily built alliances with many agencies and organizations in the area that dealt with social problems. In 1915 there were two adult literacy classes available that served over 1400 students.

In 1916, the school board began repairing the old Longfellow School building and Emily was appointed principal. The school was the first free and open school for adults in the nation. Emily hoped to start the school year off with 200 students in the first week. But she and her staff were surprised with more than 1400 students enrolled. During this time Emily was sympathetic to the needs of her students and would prepare and serve soup to the students which she made at home and carried the soup to the school via Cable Car each day. Emily and her staff taught English, bicycle repair, masonry, dress making, millinery, shorthand, electrical skills, plumbing,  shoe cobbling and competency test preparation as well as so much more. Students wanted to qualify for apprenticeships and immigrants wanted to prepare for the citizenship exam. In June 2011, Emily Griffith Opportunity School officially changed its name to Emily Griffith Technical College. 

The college has been more than just a school—it’s been a “launchpad for dreamers, doers, and difference-makers in the heart of Denver.”  

Emily Griffith joined the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame in 1985, with her picture displayed at Colorado’s State Capitol.   

For additional information about Emily Griffith- https://history.denverlibrary.org/colorado-biographies/emily-griffith-1868-1947

Emily Griffith