Why we’re different
In July 2006, the Denver Scholarship Foundation commissioned a study to determine the key barriers that prevent Denver Public School (DPS) students from attending and completing college. We found that lack of financial resources and information about the college application process topped the list.
Our comprehensive solution – enthusiastically endorsed by both Mayor John Hickenlooper and Senator Michael Bennet – improves college enrollment through three effective strategies:
Future Centers
A Future Center is a physical space within each traditional DPS high school that serves as a hub for all college-related programming. Each Future Center is staffed with a College and Financial Aid Advisor who helps students and their families with every part of the college application process, from filling out enrollment and scholarship applications to completing college essays and complex financial aid forms. In non-traditional high schools such as charters, alternative and magnet high schools, we provide a “roaming” advisor who provides the same valuable assistance.
Scholarships
The Denver Scholarship Foundation provides need-based scholarships to eligible DPS graduates who enroll in one of Colorado’s 39 participating technical, community or four-year colleges/universities. To be eligible for a DSF scholarship, a student is required to apply for three additional scholarships and grants. Our awards range from $1,650 - $5,000 per year for up to five years, determined by family contribution and federal student aid calculations.
College Retention
Our ultimate goal is for all the students we serve to complete college. We’re establishing formal retention programs at each participating college to make sure that every student we help get into college has the resources to graduate as well. We also provide new student orientation sessions that outline all of the retention services available at each of Colorado’s 39 participating postsecondary institutions.