Helping Make College Possible
For over 15 years, Denver Scholarship Foundation’s (DSF) impact has been seen and felt beyond its mission and programs, positively altering the fabric of the City of Denver and elevating the Colorado economy.
About Denver Scholarship Foundation
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.
Who We Are
DSF was founded in 2006 based on wide recognition that Denver students face multiple barriers to completing a postsecondary degree. These barriers are not solely financial.
Together our staff, board, donors, and community are creating access to higher education for the lifelong success of DPS students.
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.
College Access
Our full-time College Advisors work proactively with DPS 9th-12th graders at our DSF Future Centers located inside DPS high schools.
Scholarships
We award need-based scholarships to DPS graduates attending a community college, university, or technical college in Colorado.
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.
Our Mission
Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) inspires and empowers Denver Public Schools (DPS) students to enroll in and graduate from postsecondary institutions of higher education, by providing the tools, knowledge, and financial resources essential for success.
Students first from the beginning
On November 9, 2006, over 15 years ago, Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) began as a pilot college access program serving three Denver Public Schools (DPS) high schools and soon expanded throughout the district.
DSF helps make college possible for thousands of DPS graduates each year
Philanthropists Tim and Bernadette Marquez wanted to increase the level of college attainment in Denver. They were joined by former Mayor John Hickenlooper and former Superintendent Michael Bennet to help make access to higher education possible for all DPS students today and for generations to come.
DSF was founded based on wide recognition that DPS students face multiple barriers to completing a post-secondary degree. Philanthropists Tim and Bernadette Marquez pledged $50 million in the form of a challenge grant. As a Lincoln High School graduate, Tim felt called to make a long-lasting impact on DPS students for generations to come. This challenge catalyzed the process of putting into place a comprehensive program to support DPS students in completing high school and obtaining a higher education degree.
DSF began with a pilot program serving three Denver high schools, and by the end of 2007 the program had expanded throughout the district. Today, DSF operates 15 Future Centers serving all DPS high schools.
How we support our students and scholars today
Future Centers
College Partners
Advisors on Campus
Explore our Impact
Our Annual Report
The best way to understand our impact is through our annual report. This interactive website will guide you through our celebrations over the last fiscal year.
Our strategic plan
The 3-Year Strategic Plan serves as our roadmap to a brighter future – for our Scholars, Alumni, community partners, donors, supporters and staff, and was created by community conversations with more than 75 key stakeholders.
Review Our Financial Information
2016 Research Study
Investing in Denver’s Workforce & Economic Future: Benefits of the Denver Scholarship Foundation (2016).
How you can make an impact
Make a Gift
Your gift opens doors, broadens horizons, and builds workforce, pride, family economic security, and community economic vitality.
Corporate Partnership
Our Team
Your gift opens doors, broadens horizons, and builds workforce, pride, family economic security, and community economic vitality.
Donate
Make a Gift
Your gift opens doors, broadens horizons, and builds workforce, pride, family economic security, and community economic vitality.
Become a corporate partner
Corporate Partnership
Join the team
Our Team
Your gift opens doors, broadens horizons, and builds workforce, pride, family economic security, and community economic vitality.