Letter From Our CEO
Dear friends,
I am thrilled to share the 2021-2022 Annual Report, including a new strategic plan, with each of you. Our last fiscal year was filled with much celebration and success, and our community’s shared vision of helping to make college possible continues to propel us forward as we find new and improved ways to support our amazing students and Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) Scholars.
Recognizing the significant value of a collective voice, DSF engaged with staff, board and associate board members, college partners, Denver students, DSF Scholars and Alumni, volunteers, parents, donors, and community partners in developing its new three-year strategic plan, Grow & Thrive Through 2025. This new plan builds upon the demonstrated success of the past 16 years, including the most recent strategic plan, by improving upon and increasing DSF’s investments in people and programs.
As an organization focused on equitable opportunity for every Denver Public Schools (DPS) student, we are excited to provide a greater depth and breadth of tools and resources for the 9th – 12th grade students and DSF Scholars with whom we work as they plan for, and continue through their successful college journeys and into early career and Alumni status. This will include expanding support, increasing scholarships, and leveraging partnerships, all of which you can learn more about in this report.
I am honored to work side-by-side with an extraordinary staff and board and am so thankful for the dedication of our partners, donors, and stakeholders. In 2021-2022, DSF awarded scholarships to 1,871 DSF Scholars, the highest number of scholarships since our inception in 2006, and this number continues to rise! Our students and DSF Scholars continue to inspire all of us with their determination, perseverance, and talents; we are excited to see how they will lead and change the world for generations to come!
I hope you enjoy the many highlights and stories included throughout this annual report, as they reflect the impact, passion and contributions of the entire DSF community. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication to our mission!
Sincerely,
LORII RABINOWITZ
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
DENVER SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) is a nonprofit making college possible and building the educational and economic future of Denver by collaborating with Denver Public Schools high school students, families, and partners statewide to increase access and completion of post-high school learning and expand generational exposure to career and entrepreneurial opportunities.
DSF accomplishes this through its nationally recognized, evidence-based three-part program consisting of support systems, actionable tools, and scholarships to help guide students to lifelong success.
Our Three-Part Approach
College Access
Our full-time College Advisors work proactively with all 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 with colleges in Colorado to provide our scholarship recipients with ongoing support to help them succeed through college, career and beyond.
Our 3-year Strategic Plan
Expand Support
Lengthen the timeline of student and Scholar support by deepening early connectivity to students and families and extending into Alumni and early career.
- Increase overall college enrollment from Future Center-served schools by 5%.
- Increase college success rates by 3%.
- Reengage at least 10% of our 3,664 alumni.
Increase Scholarships
Serve more students and Scholars through expansive scholarships with increased awards and specialized funding that promote greater reach, persistence, and graduation.
- Increase years of eligibility for DSF Scholarships.
- Increase the yield of students applying to receiving a DSF Scholarship by 8%.
- Create a minimum of three supplemental scholarships (above and beyond DSF’s standard awards).
Leverage Partnerships
Expand and optimize long-lasting corporate and community partnerships for joint and reciprocal impact on students’ and Scholars’ lifelong success.
- Leverage 10 external partnerships to provide additional support services for DPS students, DSF Scholars, alumni, and families.
- Work with corporate partners to offer a minimum of nine internships to DSF Scholars.
College Access
DSF staff operated 14 DSF Future Centers serving Denver Public Schools high schools.
58% of all DPS Seniors were served by DSF.
DSF College Advisors worked proactively with 3,451 high school seniors and their families.
DSF expanded support by serving 2,543 9th – 11th grade DPS students.
Dsf scholar inspires future college graduates to pave their own path
As Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) Scholar Luis Borrego Castaneda gets ready to graduate from Colorado School of Mines in spring 2022, he looks back at all the support that helped get him here. Luis graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 2018, where his DSF College Advisor Emily Weiss guided him through the college application, financial aid, and scholarship process. As a first-generation college student, Luis says it was so crucial to have the support from a DSF College Advisor to navigate the entire college-going process.
Scholarships
DSF provided $5 million in scholarship dollars to graduates of Denver Public Schools pursuing a college education.
DSF surpassed $57.6 million in total scholarships awarded to 8,941 Denver Public Schools graduates since the fall of 2007.
DSF Scholar Trades Swimming Pools for Community Service
Spring break 2022 was DSF Scholar Pricilla Banuelos’ first time in Utah. When she signed up for the Metropolitan State University (MSU) Alternative Spring Break program, she didn’t know what to expect. She was stepping out of her comfort zone. It was her first time leaving Colorado with peers and friends, not family. But she will never forget the memories she made and the lessons she learned during her five day service trip. The Alternative Spring Break program at MSU Denver offers students the opportunity to travel, serve a community, and gain cultural education off-campus.
Success
DSF partners with 31 technical colleges, community colleges and universities in Colorado to provide on-campus support for Scholars.
On average, as a part of our partnership, each year DSF Scholars receive $3 in additional financial aid from our College Partners for every $1 they receive from DSF.
88% of DSF Scholars were first-generation college students and 91% identified as students of color in the most recent 6-year cohort.
100% of DSF Scholars grew up in moderate to low to moderate-income households.
First-Hand Insights from DSF Alum
For DSF Alumna Xochitl Ramirez Amaro, staying involved with DSF even after graduating Colorado State University (CSU) was a no-brainer. When looking at her college experience and her current career, Xochitl says that DSF contributed to a lot of different aspects of her success. She wanted to continue to be part of the DSF community that was such a large part of her education journey, which is why she joined the Alumni Advisory Committee, took part in the DSF Mentorship Program, and is a member of the DSF Marketing and Communications Committee.
Community Spotlights
Click each box below to explore highlights from our DSF community.
01
DSF Donors
Stead Family Foundation Supports DSF through Gala and named Scholarship
02
DSF Partners
CU Boulder Named 2021 College Partner Of The Year
03
DSF Sponsors
New Sponsorships Support DSF Future Centers
04
DSF Alumni
Making connections that turn into mentorship
“DSF undoubtedly makes a positive impact empowering new generations via education, financial aid and social mobility. Given my own roots as a low-income, first-generation college graduate and product of a public school system, it has truly been an honor to champion and support the organization’s mission. I am proud to have an active role ensuring DSF remains a long-lasting fixture in our community.”
Jason ClarkDSF Associate Board Chair, Schwab
Deysi MaciasDSF Scholar, University of Colorado Boulder
Ellen WeaverKaiser Permanente Director of Community Health & Engagement
“I am incredibly proud to be associated with and support DSF because I have personally seen how lives are changed in such a positive way and fully expect to see these young people become our community leaders. DSF provides a path forward for students who have hopes and dreams yet didn’t think they had the means to get there. Even more powerful, the generational impact one DSF scholar can have on their own family when they are the first to go to college. DSF scholars give me hope for the future!”
Anne TrujilloDenver7, Board Member
“My 15+ year relationship with Denver Scholarship Foundation has been one of mutual support and commitment to Denver students. As the principal of the school where it all began, I can attest to the difference having the DSF Future Center has made in creating long-lasting cultural change at Lincoln. Watching students follow their dreams with the help of DSF is an honor!”
Antonio EsquibelPrincipal, Abraham Lincoln High School
“If it was not for my very own DSF College Advisor at East High School, I would have not gone to college and have those experiences that have shaped me into the woman I am today. Being a DSF Alumni, and now currently working for DSF, my heart and passion to continue being the voice of change and impact only gets stronger each year. Over 15 years of impact, and I am one small recipient of that, I am so excited to see all the lives changed as DSF continues to get bigger and bolder.”
Ambria MerriexDSF College Advisor, East High School, DSF Alum
Principal, Abraham Lincoln High School
“I am extremely grateful for DSF and the support and resources they provide to hundreds of students a year. I have experienced and benefitted from this organization first-hand and the community they continue to build is inspiring and incredible. I am so proud to serve on the Associate Board and to continue making DSF scholar’s dream a reality.”
Arnold FernandezJPMorgan Chase & Co, Associate Board Member, DSF Alum
“I’m honored to serve and support Denver Scholarship Foundation as they help make college possible for thousands of Denver students each year. I’ve seen first-hand how access to higher education changes lives. DSF’s economical and generational impact is unmatched.”
Bob DeibelDSF Board Chair
Friends who started food delivery foundation receive community award
Samariddin Meliboev, Jamal Gironazi and Kai Suematsu want to make sure no one ever goes hungry. That’s a pretty lofty goal for three young men who have been friends and met through the Denver Scholarship Foundation. Their goals became grander when they enrolled at the University of Colorado Boulder.
From their first summer to the end of their freshman year, following two first-generation college students
Denver Scholarship Foundation Scholars Jocelyn Gonzalez and Victor Sandoval share their freshman year experiences and challenges through a pandemic. Both are first-generation college students who share a common bond of adjusting to their first year of school.
DSF wanted to know how to help Hispanic men get to college
What barriers do Hispanic men face getting to and graduating from college? Denver Scholarship Foundation surveyed Hispanic men who went to college, stopped going, and graduated to understand the barriers to getting to and finishing college.
Applying for Financial Aid Could Get A Little Easier in Colorado
A new Colorado law may help more students fill out financial aid forms and connect them to money for college. Renae Bellew, of the Denver Scholarship Foundation and a member of the working group, said its recommendations called for lawmakers to support educators with a goal to make a FAFSA graduation requirement by 2025.
Spanish: Non-profit Foundation Helps Students Reach Higher Education
On many occasions, it is not low grades that prevent students from going to university, but rather a lack of economic resources. For that reason, a non-profit organization in Denver focuses on secondary students to reach their dreams of higher education.
Blog Stories
Leprino Foods Partners with Denver Scholarship Foundation to Make College Possible
Leprino Foods Company and its employees are committed to the education, growth and sustainability of the communities where it operates. Through Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF), the Leprino Foods Company Foundation Scholarship supports need-based scholarships for Denver Public Schools (DPS) graduates attending one of DSF’s 31 College Partners in...
Denver Scholarship Foundation Annual Gala Raises Over $1.2 Million
Thanks to our community’s immense and overwhelming generosity, Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) is still reliving the magic of the 2021 Annual Gala, where we experienced celebration, community, and connection. DSF Scholars Jamal Giornazi, Samariddin Meliboev, and Kai Suematsu shared their stories of lifelong friendship, community building, and success...
Making Connections – That Turn Into Mentorships – At the DSF Annual Gala
The Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) Annual Gala is a great place for DSF Scholars and Alumni to connect with corporate and community partners. DSF Alum Fuwei Huang and DSF board member Daniel Brown from Xcel Energy made an unforgettable connection during the 2021 Annual Gala. Fuwei happened to sit at Xcel Energy’s table at the event and formed a...
Financials
Statement of Activities
Support and Revenue
| Gifts and grants | $6,776,859 |
|---|---|
| Net investment income | $5,158,939 |
| Government grants | $1,877,717 |
| Special events revenue (net) | $1,021,966 |
| Prosperity Denver Fund | $4,217,627 |
| Other | $1,913 |
| Totals | $8,737,143 |
Expenses
| Scholarships | $5,297,186 |
|---|---|
| Program (Access & Success) | $4,184,228 |
| Fundraising, Marketing & Communications | $952,625 |
| General & Administrative | $1,498,871 |
| Totals | $11,932,910 |
Statement of Financial Position
Support and Revenue
Cash & cash equivalents: $675,493
Pledge receivables: $2,391,195
Investment: $30,518,544
Fixed assets (net): $44,433
Other assets: $187,658
Total: $33,817,323
Liabilities and Net Assets
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued: $574,111
Net Assets:
Unrestricted: $5,111,113
Restricted: $28,132,099
Total Net Assets: $33,243,212
Total Liabilities and Assets: $33,817,323
DSF Staff
Lidia Alvarez
Success Partnership Manager
Taylor Atkinson
Donor Relations Manager
Lisa Atufunwa
College Advisor
Renae Bellew
Sr. Program Director
Evan Burgess
Graphic Designer
Nathan Cadena
Chief Operations Officer
Joe Camacho
Manager of Community Connection
Aliyah Cardona
College Advisor
Emily Carlson
Substitute College Advisor
Taylor Circeo
Operations Manager
Melissa Cleaver
TRIO College Advisor
Ashton Clouse
Assistant Director College Success
Katie Damas
CC Fellow
Bekah Davis
Operations Manager
Cendy De La Torre Castellanos
Events Manager
Robin DeGrassi James
Director of Development Operations
Stephanie Dewald
College Advisor
Alyssa Diaz
Campus Advisor
Maria Finan
Lead Campus Advisor
Laura Gabbay
Director of Major Gifts
Cynthia Gallegos
Campus Advisor
Ismael Garcia
Trio College Advisor
Natasha Garfield
Director of Scholarships
Humberto Guerrero
Assistant Director TRIO
Gabe Guindon
Director of College Access
Sally Hedderman
CC Fellow
Erin Henninger
Chief Development Officer
Kayla Holmes
College Advisor
Mike Irwin
Business Applications Manager
Denise Kupetz
Substitute College Advisor, TRIO
Benjamin Layman
Assistant Director of Advisement
Michelle Liu
Director of College Success
Michele Lopez
TRIO College Advisor
Stephanie Lopez
Success Program Manager
Angelica Lopez-Rodriguez
College Advisor
Joselyn Loya Acosta
College Advisor
Diana Madriz
Assistant Director of College Access
Kevin McNulty
Campus Advisor
Adrian Mendoza
Assistant Director of Advisement
Ambria Merriex
College Advisor
Jessica Milnes
Director of Corporate Relations
Elizabeth Miscles Redin
Accountant
Zachary Montez
Lead College Advisor
Anitra Montoya
Lead Campus Advisor
Masha Myslovskaya
Marketing and Communications Manager
Angrith Na
Director of Data & Evaluation
MacKenzie Pitcher
Graphic Designer and Marketing Manager
Lorii Rabinowitz
Chief Executive Officer
Liloni Ramos
Executive Assistant
Federico Rangel
Lead College Advisor
Maria Rangel Leon
Salesforce Administrator/Business Analyst
Kirby Rising
Campus Advisor
Alma Rocha Vasquez
Employee Experience Coordinator
Esmeralda Rodriguez
Lead Advisor
Cynthia Rodriguez Flores
Accountant
Derrek Sandoval
Assistant Director TRIO
Patricia Schwartzberg
Chief Financial Officer
Heather Scott
Director of Information Technology
Erin Semon
Director of Major Gifts
Theo Shipley
College Advisor
Zulema Sierra
Lead College Advisor
Chiara Spavieri
College Advisor
Corey Steagall
Development Coordinator
Benjamin Stevens
Scholarship Program Specialist
Liz Taylor
Campus Advisor
Leticia Trevino
Director TRIO Talent Search
Andy Tucker
Director of Finance
Shruthi Vasudeva
Salesforce Business Analyst
Denisse Villalba
Campus Advisor
Olivia Wallace
Senior Director of Marketing and Communication
Emily Webster
Lead Advisor
Emily Weiss
Lead College Advisor
Jake Wenger
Director of Technology
Patricia Whitehouse
Director of Human Resources
Juliana Wierimaa
Director of Events
DSF Board
Steven Abelman
Maria Arias
Seth Belzley
Andy Boian
Thomas F. Brady, Ph.D.
Albus Brooks
Daniel Brown
Denise Burgess
Stacy Carpenter
Luella Chavez D’Angelo
Jennifer Cmil
Jonathan Coleman
Luis A. Colón
Shannon Connery
James Cousin
Bob F. Deibel
Barry Dorfman
John A. Elofson
Cathey McClain Finlon
John J. Hanley
Marisa Hudson-Arney
John A. Ikard
Sandi Lewis
Katie MacWilliams
Dr. Alex Marrero
Andy Miller
Scott Nycum
Beth Perez
Lorii K. Rabinowitz
Jennifer Sobanet
Ryan Tobin
Anne Trujillo
DSF Associate Board
Elisabeth Armstrong
Kate Barton
Daniella Branger
David Brewster
Jason Clark
Amber Conn
Briana Fernandez Luna
Dani Fitch
Cory Harbor
Alexandra Hoffman
Jen Hornemann
Krystal Joscelyne
Joseph Kalule
Michael Kelly
HuyenThi (Thi – “tee”) Le
Jessica Leary
Amy Maillet
Jessica Milnes
Juliana Wierimaa
Ashley Wilson
Alumni Advisory Committee
Saul Huerta
Co-Chair
Elvis Molina
Co-Chair, Mentor
Mattias Assefa
Tapsuru (Ousman) Ba
Perla Bustillos
Mentor
Carlos Cantor
Glendy Gonzalez-Huizar
Omar Guzman
Miguel Jara-Garcia
Amodj Manga
Xochitl Ramirez Amaro
Mentor
Liloni Ramos
Brandon Tate