Help Make College Possible!

Why do I support DSF?

I am proud to be the first in my family to graduate from undergraduate and graduate school. Growing up in New York City, many in my neighborhood didn't make it, let alone attend college. It was a struggle to put food on the table, so paying for college seemed far out of reach.

For me, college was made possible through the encouragement and support of nonprofits similar to DSF and mentors. 

I pay it forward as an associate board member and student mentor at DSF. I have seen first-hand their impact on our community! I personally believe in their mission of helping to make college possible for Denver students, and I invite you to join me during this season of giving.

Every donation now through @Coloradogives Day (Dec. 5) will help DSF provide the resources to Denver students to succeed in college and their careers. With our support, together we can help our students keep their forward momentum. Make your gift now! Visit @DenverScholarshipFoundation to learn more and give! #ColoradoGivesDay #DenverScholarshipFoundation 

What does DSF do?

Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) is a nonprofit helping to make college possible. With support from community members like you, DSF builds the educational and economic future of Denver by collaborating with Denver Public Schools (DPS) high school students, families, and partners statewide to increase access and completion of post-high school learning, while also expanding generational exposure to career and entrepreneurial opportunities.   

Many DPS students begin their journey to and through college graduation by visiting their DSF Future Center inside of 15 DPS high schools. If you have not already, watch Dehrian Ramirez’s journey with DSF and hear directly from a DSF alum who started in a DSF Future Center as a student and is now contributing to the Denver community.

At DSF Future Centers, located in DPS high schools, DSF College Advisors guide students through building and pursuing their plans after high school, with a primary focus on postsecondary planning for higher education, including each step of the college application and financial aid process. Whether they choose a pathway to pursue a certificate, associate, and/or bachelor’s degree, DSF provides navigation and thought partnership every step of the way.

What are the results?

DSF Future Centers help DPS seniors apply for college, financial aid, and scholarships. DSF also provides scholarships to qualifying DPS graduates who enroll in one of 31 College Partner schools, which include technical, community college, and universities across Colorado. The DSF Scholarship is considered promise-based because every student who meets eligibility requirements and deadlines receives the scholarship award. Since DSF's creation in 2007, community members like you have helped DSF award Scholarships to 8,272 DPS graduates. 

"Our Scholars receive $3 in additional financial aid from our College Partners for every $1 they receive from DSF."

On average, each year our Scholars receive $3 in additional financial aid from our College Partners for every $1 they receive from DSF. Because it takes more than just financial aid, DSF College Partners guarantee our Scholars additional academic and financial support on campus by providing additional grants and scholarships. Our College Partners also connect Scholars with special programs and services such as mentoring, tutoring, workshops, and other programs to help them succeed and graduate.

How can you make a difference?

Contributions to DSF support our work with all DPS students we serve on their journeys to and through college graduation. To boost your impact and help us create sustainable programs and scholarship opportunities, you can even start a recurring gift made to DSF! You can also make a difference by sharing my fundraiser using the links at the top of this page. Spreading the word to your friends and social networks is a powerful way to introduce DSF’s important work to the people you know. The best time to support students and DSF Scholars and Alumni is now! Every dollar you donate to DSF now through December 31 will be doubled up to $75,000 thanks to a generous match from the Herbert and Judy Paige Family Foundation.