Students First on Colorado Gives Day

I recently joined the DPS Foundation's Development Committee to start giving back to an educational system that helped me succeed in my career and life. As a proud DPS graduate, and daughter of a DPS teacher, I believe in making our public schools work for all types of students. For Colorado Gives Day, I invite you to join me in this mission. Thanks for your support.

DPS Foundation believes our city and our futures are strengthened by every learner who graduates ready to lead a successful, thriving life. Students across Denver, and the country, face so many challenges. Access to whole-child and whole-family supports, empowered and resourced educators, and engaging learning opportunities should not be one of those challenges. Make a donation to DPS Foundation and together we can help all learners overcome any roadblocks to success they may face. 

It can be difficult to understand all of the ins and outs of our large district, the largest in the state, so here are just a few needs and how DPS Foundation helps, thanks to community support:

- With nearly 60% of DPS students qualifying for free and reduced lunch, our schools are not just places of academic learning. Last year, DPS Foundation raised over $160,000 in support of DPS' Community Hubs (formerly Family and Community Engagement Centers), providing wraparound services, including basic needs assistance, mental health support, GED classes and more to over 1,000 unique participants. 

   - Afterschool programs can support social, emotional, and academic development. Unfortunately many children in Denver, particularly those living in low-opportunity neighborhoods, don't have access to high-quality afterschool programs. This past year, DPS Foundation awarded $145,327 to 10 schools to support Lights On After School programs. An average of about 200 program hours will be offered per school, serving an estimated 2,000 DPS students.

   - Colorado consistently ranks amongst the lowest in the nation for per-pupil funding. All schools need additional resources to meet their learners' needs- but not all schools and communities have the capacity to fundraise from their students and families. DPS Foundation's A to Z Fund awarded over $202,000 to 123 schools this past year in direct-to-classroom grants to fund everything from field trips to special curriculum and more. 

Together, this Giving Season, make a gift to Denver Public Schools Foundation. Your support will help DPS Foundation invest in high impact programs and initiatives, including but not limited to afterschool programming, direct to educator (A to Z Fund) and direct to school ($1 Million Fund) grants, student and family wrap around services (Community Hubs), and career and college success programs.