Denver Public Schools Foundation

Help DPS Students Succeed: On and Off the Field!

This Youth Sports Giving Day, DPS Foundation is raising support for ELCSports, the official Denver Public Schools elementary athletics program, and My Spark Scholarship, which expands access to afterschool and extracurricular activities for DPS middle school students

ELCSports provides 4th and 5th graders with the opportunity to represent their schools in flag football, soccer and basketball while building teamwork, leadership and confidence that carry into the classroom.

During the 2025–26 school year, ELCSports served 1,671 student-athletes across 57 DPS elementary schools. Nearly half of them attend schools where, on average, 92% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. ELCSports discounts season fees at its highest-need schools, absorbing approximately $14,500 in reduced fees each year.

Every season builds a pipeline to DPS middle and high school athletics, helping students develop the fundamental skills they need to continue playing. Your gift on Youth Sports Giving Day puts more Denver Public Schools student-athletes in the game!

My Spark Scholarship gives eligible DPS middle school students $1,000 on a restricted My Spark Scholarship Card, allowing families to choose the afterschool and enrichment activities that fit their child’s passions—from sports and arts to STEM, tutoring and dance.

By removing financial barriers, the program helps students build confidence, strengthen connections and explore new interests.

Your Gift Can Make a Difference

Here are a few ways your gift can support ELCSports:

• $35: Covers a full season for a student at one of the highest-need schools (75% or more of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch)
• $55: Covers a full season for a student at any DPS elementary school
• $100: Outfits a student with two pairs of cleats
• $300: Sends a student to a week of summer sports camp
• $800: Provides jerseys for an entire school team
• $1,000: Funds a coach’s stipend for a full season

At checkout, select My Spark Scholarship or ELCSports under “Designation” to direct your gift.