It’s a beautiful fall day in Denver. PERFECT weather for a motorcycle ride.
But this wasn’t just any motorcycle ride. These riders are employees of United Launch Alliance (ULA), and they rode across Denver to deliver backpacks stuffed with school supplies for DPS students experiencing homelessness.
“When we heard that there are literally thousands of homeless and semi-homeless students in Denver Public Schools, we knew that we needed to come together and do something to help,” said ULA’s Matt Smith.
The backpack drive is one of many ways ULA engages with DPS schools.
“United Launch Alliance is proud to support Denver Public Schools in a number of meaningful ways,” said Chris Chavez, who leads ULA’s corporate citizenship efforts. “ULA provides funding for science and math education programs, as well as volunteer support and employee donations like this backpack drive. Both are key ingredients to multi-faceted and long-term engagement that help kids succeed.”
ULA has been operating the backpack and school supply drive for several years. Three years ago, a group of ULA employees and motorcycle enthusiasts decided that delivering the materials to DPS by bike would be a great way to culminate the drive. It’s been a celebrated tradition for ULA and DPS alike – more than two dozen DPS staff greeted the bikers this morning with cheers, cow bells and LOTS of appreciation!
The impact of ULA’s contribution will be immediate – and lasting – on the students who receive the new school supplies.
“It’s quite simple – when a student does not have the tools they need to succeed in the classroom, they are starting the new school year already at a disadvantage to their peers,” said DPS Educational Outreach Program’s Jackie Bell. “This is about more than just school supplies. It’s about giving kids resources that enable them to focus their energy and attention on the lessons that lie ahead of them this school year. Without generous donors like United Launch Alliance, these children would already be a step behind in the classroom. We’re so grateful for partnerships like this one.”
This morning’s event generated so much excitement that Fox Channel 31 even sent a reporter to capture the action! Check out ULA’s Matt Smith being interviewed for the story!
ULA’s Matt Smith being interviewed by Fox 31
Minority Enterprise & Educational Development (MEED) facilitated the ULA school supply drive. For the last decade, MEED has collected backpacks and school supplies for DPS students in need. The backpacks are distributed through the Educational Outreach Program office, which supports the 2,000 DPS students and families experiencing homelessness. Support from the community through the Educational Outreach Program office allows DPS to provide school supplies and other basic needs for students facing the challenge and uncertainty of homelessness. Support for these students has been shown to impact their attendance and performance in the classroom. This year, with the help of community partners like United Launch Alliance, MEED will distribute more than 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to students in need.
A big thanks to ULA for ALL they do for DPS students and schools!