As we celebrate this season of gratitude, we’re reminded that every opportunity for a Denver Public Schools student begins with the generosity of our community. Because of your support, students across the district are discovering new passions, building confidence, and exploring their potential through My Spark Denver — a program that helps remove financial barriers so every student can participate in out-of-school experiences that inspire them to learn, grow, and thrive.
This month, we’re highlighting two My Spark providers, Athletics & Beyond and The Art Garage, whose stories reflect the power of what’s possible when community support meets opportunity.
At Athletics & Beyond, the My Spark Denver program has become a true game changer for DPS students and families. With support from My Spark, Athletics & Beyond is reaching more students than ever before, helping young athletes strengthen their skills, discover their potential, and find community through sports.
One inspiring example is Damian, a football athlete and proud My Spark participant. After suffering an ACL injury during the tackle football season, Damian used his My Spark funds not only for football and yoga, but also for the Sports Recovery Program, which helps student-athletes safely return to the field both physically and mentally. His dedication and resilience are proof of how powerful this partnership can be.
Watch Damian’s story and see the impact firsthand: Facebook Reel
Narcy Jackson, Executive Director of Athletics & Beyond, shared that My Spark has been transformative for their organization and community. “My Spark has been a game changer for Athletics & Beyond. Before My Spark, we simply didn’t have the resources to cover partial or full scholarships for kids who—without support—might never leave the 80239 ZIP code. Thanks to My Spark, they can now afford travel and club fees that give them a chance to shine beyond our neighborhood. Families across the country spend an average of $1,500 per child per year on youth sports—and often more than $2,300. In Colorado, participation costs rise even further, as teams travel an average of 2,551 miles annually, adding a significant financial hurdle. With My Spark, we’re not just sending kids to the field—we’re empowering dreams.”
One of those dreams belongs to another DPS student Ty, a student-athlete who recently had the opportunity to play in an NFL stadium. This was an unforgettable experience he described saying, “This experience means a lot because I get to play in an NFL stadium.”
Watch the full video here: Video Testimonial
For 12-year-old Camila and her family, who immigrated from Colombia and speak Spanish as their first language, the program created meaningful access to the arts — and to a community that celebrates creativity and growth. A little over a year ago, Camila joined The Art Garage through My Spark, beginning with a Teen Ceramics class. She soon began attending private instruction and summer camps, finding a space where she could express herself freely and grow both as an artist and as a student. Her younger brother, four-year-old Dylan, later joined through a scholarship-supported program, and together their family became an important part of The Art Garage community.
Camila’s mother shared that The Art Garage has become a place where her children can explore their creativity and build confidence. She said,
“The Art Garage is a place for children to be inspired and unleash their passion for art. It’s an incredible place for summer classes, after-school classes, and digital classes. Children have fun while learning, and it helps them use their skills and imagination. Thank you, Art Garage.”
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our donors, partners, and community members whose generosity makes these My Spark stories of success possible. Together, we’re helping DPS students explore their passions, discover their strengths, and reach for new possibilities. Because of your support, students like Damian, Ty, and Camila are discovering their strengths, pursuing their passions, and finding joy in their journeys. Together, we’re building a community where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you for believing in the power of possibility. Make your end-of-year gift today to continue fueling opportunities for DPS students: https://www.classy.org/give/740207/#!/donation/checkout
