Emily Griffith Foundation

A nonprofit organization

$160 raised

1% complete

$20,000 Goal

Emily Griffith Foundation fuels opportunity and expands access to education by providing educational and charitable funding for the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and programs of Emily Griffith Technical College, a statewide leader in career and technical education. The Foundation removes financial barriers and ensures students have what they need to thrive through tuition scholarships and wraparound financial support provided by the Student Essentials & Emergencies Fund.

This support allows thousands of Coloradans each year to pursue hands-on, career-focused training at Emily Griffith Technical College. With a 109-year legacy of accessible, affordable education, the College prepares students for today’s workforce and tomorrow’s opportunities through programs in healthcare, skilled trades, hospitality, and more. Each program is developed with industry input and aligned to the Colorado Talent Pipeline Report, ensuring graduates have the skills employers need. The College also partners with employers statewide to deliver more than a dozen Registered Apprenticeship programs, giving students real-world experience in high-demand fields.

Emily Griffith students reflect the diversity, drive, and resilience of Colorado’s workforce. More than 10,000 learners enroll each year, including nearly 2,500 refugees and immigrants, many of whom advance from English Language Acquisition into Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Among CTE students, 61% are women, 47% are first-generation college students, 33% are single parents, 81% identify as people of color, and 62% are low-to-moderate income—bringing with them a wealth of experience, motivation, and ambition.

Foundation support directly contributes to the College’s exceptional student outcomes: 84% of students complete their program, 86% gain employment in their field of study, and 99% pass their licensure exams. Remarkably, 60% of surveyed alumni report graduating without personal or credit card debt, a testament to the impact of the Foundation’s financial assistance. In addition, 90% of students and alumni would recommend Emily Griffith to friends and family.

Together, Emily Griffith Foundation and Emily Griffith Technical College are preparing Colorado’s next generation of skilled workers—individuals who are not only building meaningful careers, but also contributing to a stronger, more equitable state economy.

Mission

Emily Griffith Foundation exists to provide educational and charitable funding for the support of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and programs of Emily Griffith Technical College

Background Statement

Emily Griffith Foundation continues the legacy of educator and trailblazer Emily Griffith, who in 1916 opened the nation’s first public career and technical college in downtown Denver—the Opportunity School, now Emily Griffith Technical College. She believed every person, regardless of age, race, gender, or background, deserved access to education and opportunity. More than a century later, her vision of removing barriers to education remains at the heart of both the College and the Foundation.

Founded in 1991, Emily Griffith Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to ensure that all Emily Griffith Technical College students can pursue their education without financial hardship. The Foundation provides scholarships, wraparound financial support, and programmatic investments to help students graduate without debt and enter Colorado’s workforce ready to succeed.

Emily Griffith Technical College prepares students for today’s workforce and tomorrow’s opportunities through accessible, affordable training in high-demand industries. As part of the Denver Public Schools system and one of Colorado’s three Area Technical Colleges, Emily Griffith Technical College is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and recognized statewide for its responsive, hands-on approach to career education.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Emily Griffith Foundation

other names

EGF

Year Established

1991

Tax id (EIN)

84-1169001

Category

Education

Organization Size

Large Organization

Address

Emily Griffith Foundation 1860 Lincoln Street, Suite 605
Denver, CO 80203

Service areas

Denver County, CO, US

Phone

720-423-4860

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