Over the summer, North High School student Rico Givens-Padilla took an introduction to criminal law class through Harvard University. For the first time in his academic career, he had a black instructor. This left a lasting impact on Rico. “I was surrounded by hardworking and brilliant students, empowered by the school’s resources, and challenged by an instructor who looked like … Read More
Denver Scholarship Foundation Scholar Celebrates Graduation and Internship
Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) first impacted Kayley Ledesma’s life during her first year of college at Community College of Denver (CCD). As a first-generation student, she, like many, struggled to find the right academic, social, and financial fit for college. That was until she made her first appointment with her DSF campus contact, Todd Ramirez. “I was nervous to seek … Read More
DaVita Builds on Outstanding Partnership with Denver Scholarship Foundation
During Denver Scholarship Foundation Virtual Gala 2020: Celebrating with Spirit, we are taking a moment to celebrate a few of our partnerships that make our work possible. Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) is proud to have a longstanding 7-year partnership with DaVita, a health care provider focused on transforming care delivery to improve quality of life for patients globally. Part of … Read More
Denver Scholarship Foundation Grows with Partner Alpine Bank
During Denver Scholarship Foundation Virtual Gala 2020: Celebrating with Spirit, we are taking a moment to celebrate a few of our partnerships that make our work possible. For the past three years, Alpine Bank has been a proud supporter of Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) and its mission to support Denver Public Schools students on their journeys to and through college graduation. The … Read More
TRIO & Me, Obinna Onyeali, DSF College Advisor at Montbello
I am grateful for what TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) did for me in my undergraduate years at the University of Colorado Boulder (GO BUFFS!). My TRIO SSS program called Summer Ready helped to cultivate the light in me that I never believed could really shine. I was always a dedicated young man, but I needed guidance to ensure that … Read More
DSF Staff Highlight: Stephanie López, MSW
Stephanie López, MSW, is no stranger to working for what she believes in. A Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) Alumna, Stephanie grew up attending various Denver Public Schools. From a young age her parents instilled in her the value of hard work. Now, all that work has led her to become the newest college success program manager at DSF. Although the … Read More
Prosperity Denver Fund Partners with Nonprofits to Boost Student Success in College
At Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF), we often say, “it takes a community to make college possible.” More than a mantra, we see this statement in action every day, whether we are helping a student and their family navigate through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or hosting mock interviews with DSF Scholars and Denver businesses. Did you know … Read More
DSF and COSI Partner to Support Students with Scholarship, Wraparound Services
Jackie Marquez remembers looking over her notes as she walked into the Denver Capitol building on a chilly January day. Though she was no stranger to public speaking, this day was special. On this day, she would speak in front of the state legislature on behalf of her fellow DREAMers, or young people impacted by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (CADA) program and the DREAM Act. In speaking to the legislature about her success in … Read More
DSF Alumni Amplify Peer Voices in Community
By Perla Bustillos Engagement Manager Ednium: The Alumni Collective There is no better feeling than seeing Denver Public Schools (DPS) alumni hold important decision-making positions in our communities. It is even more empowering when an alumnus has overcome significant adversity in life and owns their story to positively uplift and impact others. Graduates of the first Ednium: The Alumni Collective cohort ... Read More
U.S. Bank Grows Partnership with DSF in Support of Students
For Marcia D. Romero, supporting Denver’s students isn’t just a passion—it’s personal. As an alumna of Abraham Lincoln High School and a first-generation college graduate, she sees the importance of Denver Scholarship Foundation’s (DSF) mission in the community. In her role as vice president and community affairs manager of corporate social responsibility at U.S. Bank, she has put her passion to work by building bridges between U.S. Bank’s community initiatives and DSF Scholars. For the past two years, … Read More