Some partnerships help advance a mission. Others become part of the story from the very beginning. For nearly two decades, Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) and Leprino (previously Leprino Foods) have partnered to help Denver students explore meaningful career pathways and pursue their goals.
As we celebrate the Class of 2026 and reflect on 20 years of DSF’s community impact, we are deeply grateful for the community partners who continue to stand beside Denver students every step of the way. Terry Leprino has been part of that journey since DSF’s earliest days, serving as one of the organization’s first Board members and helping shape opportunities for thousands of Denver Public Schools (DPS) graduates.
(DSF Scholars visiting Leprino Foods headquarters and making pizzas)
Over the years, Leprino has partnered with DSF in ways that go far beyond financial support. Together, we have created opportunities for DSF Scholars to connect their education to real-world experiences and begin to see themselves in careers they may never have imagined before through the strength of options provided in right here in Denver. In 2024, as a part of their own 75th Anniversary celebration, Leprino Foods updated its name to be more representative of its own breadth to “Leprino.”
Today, that commitment continues through the Leprino Named Scholarship and a partnership grounded in a shared belief that exposure to careers, industry knowledge, and meaningful connections can help students envision futures they may never have imagined for themselves. Through a commitment to industry education and workforce development, demonstrated through volunteerism and philanthropic partnership, Leprino is helping students explore possibilities and better understand the many pathways available to them after high school and college.
(DSF Scholars at the Leprino Foods manufacturing plant in Denver)
Our partnership comes to life during visits to Leprino’s Denver-based corporate headquarters, where DSF Scholars have the opportunity to tour the space, meet employees across departments, and learn more about careers in food manufacturing and operations – and during DSF’s Annual Scholar Summit, where DSF Scholars meet 1:1 with Leprino employees to delve more deeply into their day to day work. For many students, experiences like these are transformational, especially given the multi-generation family ownership of Leprino. These interactions spark curiosity and help students better understand the many pathways available to them after high school and college, in an international company known for its positive organizational culture.
At DSF, we know student success is even greater with relationships, and partnerships with organizations like Leprino help students build the connections, experiences, and sense of belonging that support career success. We are proud to partner with Leprino and appreciative for their continued investment in the potential of Denver students and for helping make college and career success possible for the next generation of leaders.
If you are interested in learning more about DSF, connecting with our work, or exploring ways to support Denver students, we would love to hear from you.
