Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) Alum Diego Burciaga’s educational journey began at the DSF Future Center at North High School, where he first connected with his DSF College Advisor, Zulema Sierra, as a freshman. From there, he went on to receive the DSF Scholarship and was later paired with his DSF Campus Advisor at the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver), Alyssa Diaz. She became a consistent source of support and guidance every step of the way on his college and career journey. Today, DSF’s impact continues through Diego’s younger brother, Justin, now a sophomore at North High School and a regular visitor at the same DSF Future Center that once helped Diego chart his path. Their family’s story highlights the multigenerational impact of DSF’s mission, providing students with the resources they need to pursue college, careers, and lifelong success.
(Diego with his family at his North High School graduation)
At North High School, Diego immersed himself in every opportunity possible, from running cross country and track, participating in student council, ROTC, and National Honor Society, while also balancing part-time jobs and internships. He frequently visited the DSF Future Center during lunch to meet with Ms. Zulema, seeking advice on his postsecondary options. He recalls listening to guest speakers discussing various paths that included both college and skilled trades. He remembers that some of his friends also spent time at the DSF Future Center planning their career paths as HVAC and electrical techs.
During high school, Diego also shadowed a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Denver Health, where he witnessed compassionate care in moments of crisis. That experience sparked his interest in medicine and public service, fields that focus on helping others during their most vulnerable times.
(Diego outside of the emergency room of Denver Health)
After graduating from North High School and before starting at CU Denver, Diego’s parents moved to Mexico to care for his grandparents and help with the family ranch. He took on additional family responsibilities while pursuing his Biology degree at CU Denver, navigating challenging coursework as a first-generation college student. Diego also joined the Denver Public Safety Cadet Program, gaining hands-on experience through rotations with police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and sheriff’s departments. He also completed an internship at the Denver Medical Examiner’s Office, which deepened his interest and knowledge in forensic science.
(Diego with his cadet peers at the Denver Police rotational)
Through DSF’s connections, Diego secured a healthcare internship at Swedish Medical Center, where he shadowed a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). This experience motivated him to earn his EMT and CNA licenses. After graduating, he began working as an EMT at Denver Health, where he served primarily Spanish-speaking patients. “Helping patients in their most uncertain moments taught me the importance of empathy and advocacy,” he reflected.
“DSF has honored every pathway, and I’m grateful for that,” Diego shared. “They helped me dream big about my career and take actionable steps toward those goals.” Now, his story has come full circle, where his younger brother is following in his footsteps as a student at North, visiting the same DSF Future Center that guided Diego. “The impact of DSF continues for generations,” he said.
Today, Diego’s passion for public service and science has led him to his current role as a Crime Scene Investigator at the Denver Crime Lab. He credits his success to the opportunities he gained through the Cadet Program, his internship at the Medical Examiner’s Office, and his medical expertise gained by working at Denver Health. A friend and former cadet shared the Crime Scene Investigator job post with him, which was an incredible opportunity that aligned perfectly with his skills and interests.
(Diego with his parents at after his graduation ceremony at CU Denver)
Diego continues to explore where his path will lead next, potentially pursuing medical school in the coming years. His journey embodies the impact of DSF and what DSF stands for – helping students pursue their dream careers by following their chosen educational paths, serving their communities, and inspiring and impacting future generations.
