DENVER SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) was founded in 2006 to address the wide recognition that Denver Public Schools’ students face multiple barriers to enrolling into postsecondary education and completing a degree. DSF programming addresses the most common barriers to postsecondary education experienced by the students it serves: 1) the rising cost of postsecondary education and ability to pay for it; 2) lack of understanding about the postsecondary admission and financial aid processes, and; 3) lack of guidance and support to navigate the college processes from application to degree completion. DSF’s unique approach to addressing and removing these common barriers includes college advising, scholarships, and support services beginning in high school and extending through college completion.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
College Access
Our full-time College Advisors work proactively with all DPS 9th-12th graders at our DSF Future Centers located inside DPS high schools.
DSF Future Centers supported the following:
o 3,411 Seniors received direct support throughout the college-going process in 2020-21.
o Provided a detailed roadmap to college for high school students.
o Supported students with applying to certificates, two-year, and four-year programs.
o Held FAFSA workshops to help students apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
o Through the Future Center hundreds of visits from college representatives were scheduled at DPS schools and on college campuses.
DSF Scholarships
We award need-based scholarships to DPS graduates attending a community college, university, or technical college in Colorado.
o DSF surpassed $52.4 million in total scholarships awarded to 8,272 Denver Public Schools graduates since the fall of 2007.
o 88.7% of Scholars were first-generation college students and 90.6% identified as students of color in the most recent 6-year cohort.
o In 2020-21, DSF provided nearly 1,800 scholarships to esteemed and determined Scholars in Denver.
College Success
We partner directly with colleges in Colorado to provide our scholarship recipients with extra financial aid and ongoing support to help them succeed.
o DSF partners with 31 technical colleges, community colleges and universities in Colorado to provide on-campus support for Scholars.
o Since 2015, 82 percent of all DSF Scholars have graduated or continue to succeed in their program.
Where we work
Awards
Outstanding Educator 2009
Stanford Univesity
Angel Award 2009
East High School
External reviews
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
DSF’s overarching goal is to support DPS students to and through college graduation, and as an organization, is committed to closing long-standing educational and economic achievement gaps through its core programs – College Access, Scholarships, and College Success. Our organization goals focus on college enrollment, college persistence and graduation, and ultimately, meaningful employment.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
College Access\nDSF serves 21 DPS schools through its 14 Future Centers (on-site, physical hubs) and satellite program advising. DSF Future Center College Advisors serve as the main point-of-contact for DPS students, guiding them through planning, applying, enrolling, and paying for college. \n\nScholarships\nScholars who meet DSF criteria will be awarded scholarships to attend one of DSF’s 31 Partner Colleges in Colorado. Scholarships are promise-based, meaning every DPS student who meets the criteria receives the scholarship and support services. For every $1 award to DSF Scholars, our College Partners award an average of $2 in additional aid, which DSF negotiates. \n\nCollege Success\nDSF offers critical wraparound services to its Scholars attending one of DSF’s 31 Partner Colleges. College Success ensures that students receive additional financial aid, academic, and social support, ensuring scholarship investments translate to Scholars graduating and securing meaningful employment.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
DSF strives to lead the charge of working with community partners to build Denver’s future by investing in our students, driving leadership, and championing economic vitality for residents far and wide. The organization has been recognized, locally and nationally, for its comprehensive approach to student success. Our unique partnership with DPS, both at the district level and at individual schools, ensures no student is overlooked. Our DSF advisors work in partnership with counselors, teachers, and administrators in providing College Access services to students, resulting in a higher rate of college enrollment at Future Center schools in DPS.\n\nOur relationships with 31 Partner Colleges in Colorado, including universities, technical and community colleges is also significant to the success of DSF and our scholars. Our college partners work with DSF to provide financial, academic, and social support to help DSF Scholars navigate their college roadmaps towards graduation and employment.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
DSF has awarded $38 million in scholarships since its inception, changing the life trajectory for more than 6,300 DSF Scholars. Last year, DSF offered College Access services to over 9,700 students and families, and provided direct support to 2,827 high school seniors (54% of all DPS seniors). DPS high schools with an on-site Future Center currently send 60% of graduating seniors to college, compared to only 43% at schools without a Future Center. \n\nAdditionally, 78% of DSF Scholars have graduated or continue to succeed in their postsecondary education – nearly 2.5 times the national average for the student population DSF serves. \n\nThe current emphasis on a postsecondary degree or certificate required for self-sustaining employment, along with DSF’s College Access services in DPS high schools, is resulting in greater numbers of students enrolling in college each year. This offers tremendous opportunities for program expansion and new strategies for fundraising and partnerships.
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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DENVER SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
Board of directorsas of 10/05/2023
Bob Deibel
OfficeScapes Group
Term: 2018 -
Thomas G. Wattles
Treasurer; Private Investor & Public Company Director
John Elofson
Secretary; Partner, Davis, Graham & Stubbs LLP
Steven Abelman
Shareholder, Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber, Schreck
Jeff Allen
Chief Executive Officer, Nodin
Seth Belzley
Partner, Holland & Knight LLP
Dr. Tom Brady
Executive Director of the J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities, UC Denver Business School
Jonathan Coleman
Portfolio Manager, Janus Henderson
Luis Colón
Partner, Essencialize LLC
Dr. Robert Coombe
Chancellor Emeritus, University of Denver
Bob Deibel
President & Owner, OfficeScapes
Barry Dorfman
President, Rocky Mountain Region, Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc.
Mark Fallon
Chairman & CEO at APTIM
Cathey McClain Finlon
Retired CEO and Chair, McClain Finlon
Jayne Ford
Chief People Officer, Green Peak Partners
John J. Hanley
Managing Director, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Katie MacWilliams
Community Volunteer
R. Scott Nycum, Jr.
Retired Vice Chairman, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Martin Pocs
Vice Chairman, DHR International
Rich Schierburg
Owner, Peregrine group Development
Michael R. Starzer
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Fifth Creek Energy Company; Director, HighPoint Resources Corporation
Martha Wofford
Group Vice President, DaVita, Inc.
Linda Bowman
Past Chair; Vice Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor, University of Denver
Luella Chavez D'Angelo
Community Volunteer
Andy Boian
Founder & CEO, Dovetail Solutions
John Ikard
Retired CEO, FirstBank Holding Company
Irma Lockridge
Chief People & Systems Officer, CoorsTek
Mike Pardun
Chief Executive Officer, Standard Alcohol, Inc.
Anne Trujillo
Evening News Anchor & Multimedia Journalist, Denver7 News
Gregg Kvistad
Provost Emeritus & Professor, University of Denver
Shannon Connery
Psychologist, PhD
Albus Brooks
Vice President of Strategy & Business Development, Milender White
Jennifer Cmil
Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Newmont