The DPS Foundation serves as a vital partner to the district, and strives to step in to support students whenever a need arises. Upon learning from Denver Public Schools that a funding gap existed for summer enrichment, the Foundation was able to respond immediately thanks to the unwavering support and donations from the community. The Denver Public Schools (DPS) Foundation is proud to announce its support in expanding summer enrichment opportunities for Denver students, and through this targeted funding, it has made it possible for the Discovery Link summer program at Barnum Elementary to add a third week of programming, serving up to 150 students from multiple school sites across the district.
“In summers past, we’ve been able to offer six to eight weeks of grant-based (free to family) summer camp to DPS families. Due to current budget constraints, we could only plan for two weeks of grant-based summer camp for this coming summer. Luckily, the DPS Foundation came to the table with support and will be funding a third week of camp at Barnum. This will allow for another free week of summer camp for those DPS families in the area, serving up to 150 students per day,” said Jesse Broadfoot, Director, Extended Learning and Community Schools.
Equity in access to summer programming is a top priority for Denver Public Schools, and this expansion ensures that more students have a safe, engaging, and educational environment during the summer months. By extending the camp’s duration, the DPS Foundation is helping to bridge the “opportunity gap” that often widens when school is out of session.
“We know that the learning and growth of our students shouldn’t stop when the final school bell rings in May,” said Sara Hazel, President and CEO of the Denver Public Schools Foundation. “By investing in an additional week of Discovery Link at Barnum Elementary, we are giving families peace of mind and giving students more time to explore their passions, build confidence, and stay connected to their community. This is a direct reflection of our commitment to ensuring every DPS student has the resources they need to thrive year-round.”
The Discovery Link summer camp provides a mix of structured academic support and recreational activities, and the extra week of funding allows the program to reach students who may not otherwise have had access to high-quality summer care.
“I know one week of summer camp might not seem like a lot, but our camps are life changing for many students and families. We have all been struggling deeply with the fact that we have had to decrease summer support for our communities of need. Hearing that we are now able to provide an additional week of camp immediately made me emotional because I know that it will mean that families can go to work and know their children are safe, and that our students are going to have experiences that they will remember decades down the road. We are all so grateful for this funding,” said Julie Melki, Senior Manager, Extended Learning and Community Schools.
The DPS Foundation continues to serve as a strategic partner to the district, raising vital funds for afterschool programs, classroom grants, student scholarships, workforce development, and more. This recent initiative highlights the DPS Foundation’s agility in responding to the immediate needs of Denver’s students and families.
For more information about the DPS Foundation’s work or to learn how to get involved, please visit dpsfoundation.org.
About the Denver Public Schools Foundation
Committed to realizing every student’s potential, Denver Public Schools Foundation removes barriers, provides support, and unlocks opportunities in the classroom and beyond. DPS Foundation helps ensure that investments in our public schools are directed in the most effective, impactful and lasting way. Denver Public Schools Foundation believes when all students have the opportunity to develop their talents and become engaged and contributing members of our community, our society thrives. Learn more at dpsfoundation.org.
