DENVER SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION

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.

College Access
DSF 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.

Scholarships
Scholars 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.

College Success
DSF 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.

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.

Our 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.

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.

Additionally, 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.

The 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.