Denver Scholarship Logo
Empower & Navigate: Centering People & Purpose Amid Complexity - FY26-FY28 Strategic Plan

Letter from our CEO

Dear friends, 

Over the past six years, Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) has undergone a remarkable period of evolution, driven by clear strategy, rooted in our mission, and powered by the dedication of staff, board, partners, and community. 

The 2020–2022 Strategic Plan centered on Sustainability, Connectivity, and Visibility, laying groundwork for a more stable, recognized, and connected DSF. The 2023–2025 Strategic Plan built on that momentum – expanding support, increasing scholarships, and leveraging partnerships to help make college possible for more Denver students. 

This 2026–2028 plan is not a departure; it’s a deliberate continuation. As the political, economic, and educational landscapes shift rapidly, the communities we serve face both urgent challenges and new opportunities. In response, we are shifting our focus from spreading wider to digging deeper. We will invest in what works, refine and strengthen our programs, and fortify our systems and people so DSF can stay agile, resilient, and responsive. 

Thank you to the DSF community for your support in helping to make our mission and impact possible! 

With sincere gratitude, 

Lorii Rabinowitz signature

 

Lorii Rabinowitz
Chief Executive Officer, DSF

OUR 3-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN

Diagram showing two pillars labeled "Deepen Our Impact" and "Evolve with Agility", topped with a pointed roof that reads "Success", with an arrow in the background that reads "Services" on the left and "Reach" on the right

Deepen Our Impact

Cultivate a connected, community-powered support system that uniquely equips and prepares students for postsecondary education, economic mobility, and lifelong success.

  • Optimize Workforce & Career Readiness
  • Maximize Access
  • Increase Family Engagement

Evolve with Agility

Enhance a resilient, future-ready organization by scaling effective systems, driving operational excellence, and fostering innovation to sustain long-term success in a changing world.

  • Expand Revenue
  • Advance Leadership & Influence
  • Strengthen Operational Efficiency

Who We Are

Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) is a nonprofit helping to make college possible and building 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.

Carlos Cantor posing in front of a city sidewalk

“DSF invested in me and my potential without any guarantees, as one of the first classes of DSF Scholars. They provided me with scholarships and resources and supported my dreams. Now it’s my turn to give back! DSF has continued to invest in so many more Denver students. Donating and volunteering are my ways of paying it forward so current and future DSF Scholars can have the same opportunities.”

Carlos Cantor

Donor & DSF Alum | John F. Kennedy High School & University of Colorado Boulder | Mortgage Broker, Industry Home Mortgage

Our Three-Part Approach

The DSF nationally recognized, evidence-based three-part program consists of support systems, actionable tools, and scholarships to help guide Denver students to lifelong success.

Circular green icon depicting an open door with a school in the distance

Access

Our full-time DSF College Advisors work proactively with DPS 9th-12th graders at our DSF Future Centers located inside DPS high schools.

Circular blue icon depicting a scholarship award scroll

Scholarships

We award need-based scholarships to DPS graduates attending a community college, university, or technical college in Colorado.

Circular orange icon depicting a grad cap with victory laurels

Success

We partner directly with colleges in Colorado to provide DSF Scholars with additional financial aid and ongoing support to help them succeed through college, career and beyond.

Engage With Us

Spread the word.

Follow us online and share our report with your friends on social media.

Support our work.

Donate to DSF and become a Possibility Partner through your monthly gift in support of our students and Scholars.

Stay in touch.

Sign up to receive our newsletter for the latest DSF updates.

Engage your business.

Let us know if your business would like to partner through career exposure, internships or other opportunities for students and Scholars.

Together we help make college possible

Read about our DSF Scholars & Community