At Denver Public Schools Foundation, we are proud to support the professional growth of educators through our Educators Take Flight (ETF) program, in partnership with United Airlines. Educators Take Flight empowers DPS educators to attend conferences and training nationwide, ensuring that they bring back fresh ideas, best practices, and renewed inspiration to their schools and students.
Since the program began, ETF has funded travel for 114 educators to 21 states and the District of Columbia, covering over 235,000 miles of professional learning journeys. In 2024 alone, DPS Foundation awarded 39 trips, totaling $57,525 in flight vouchers—an investment that directly impacts classrooms across the district.
A Real Story of Impact, Featuring Three DPS Educators
One of this year’s Educators Take Flight highlights comes from Kristina Collins of Colfax Elementary, who traveled to Los Angeles, California, alongside Hipolito Garcia and Dayana Juski (pictured), to attend the National Association for Educating Young Children Annual Conference. This opportunity allowed them to connect with experts, learn innovative teaching techniques, and collaborate with peers from across the country.
“The wealth of knowledge I’ve gained from this opportunity was invaluable. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without this program! The opportunity to learn, grow, and bring this knowledge back to my students is something I’ll always be thankful for,” Kristina shared.
How Educators Take Flight Works
The Educators Take Flight program follows a straightforward application process. Educators submit a two-page application, and review cycles occur every other month. Approved applicants receive flight vouchers to attend professional development opportunities across the country. Currently, 10-12 vouchers are awarded per cycle.
Why It Matters
The impact of Educators Take Flight goes beyond miles traveled. By investing in educators’ professional development, we enrich the classroom experience for students, foster innovative teaching methods, and build stronger school communities. Programs like ETF reflect the DPS Foundation’s core values: Students First and Equity.
Looking Ahead
With continued support from United Airlines, ETF is poised to make an even bigger impact in the new 2025-2026 school year. By helping educators grow, we ensure that students receive the best possible education, supported by teachers who are inspired, connected, and equipped with cutting-edge knowledge.
Jennifer Mays-Krimmer, Impact Engagement Director at the DPS Foundation, emphasizes the importance of this growth sharing, “A holistic approach ensures educators can focus entirely on learning and growing. We are thankful to United Airlines for this continued partnership so our educators can have access to top-rate professional development opportunities that they can bring back and share with their students.”
Thank you to our educators, donors, and partners for making these opportunities possible. Together, we are investing in lifelong learning—one flight at a time. To learn more about Educators Take Flight, visit DPS Foundation Educators Take Flight.
