Denver Public Schools Foundation

The Denver Public Schools Foundation helps ensure investments in our schools are directed in the most effective, impactful and lasting way. Public funds simply are insufficient to provide the equitable education that every child deserves. That’s why, leveraging our unique access to the district and our ability to fund students across Denver at scale, we serve as the trusted partner to mobilize our community to support DPS students, educators, and families. 

In Summer 2025, DPS Foundation officially acquired the My Spark Denver program, a pioneering initiative originally created by the City and County of Denver, Mile High United Way, and Gary Community Ventures to expand access to afterschool and extracurricular activities for middle school youth.

Launched as a pilot program in 2023, My Spark Denver gives eligible families $1,000 per student on a restricted My Spark Card, allowing them to choose the afterschool and enrichment activities that fit their child’s passions — from arts and sports to STEM, tutoring, and dance. The program was designed to address the lack of structured options for middle schoolers and remove the financial barriers many working families face.

This innovative program puts financial power directly in families’ hands, helping remove barriers, increase youth confidence, and strengthen connections across our community. 

With approximately 11,500 eligible middle schoolers in DPS, the Foundation expects to serve between 2,875 and 4,025 students annually under the updated program structure. Visit dpsfoundation.org to learn more!