The Denver Public Schools Foundation (DPS Foundation) proudly announces it will assume leadership of My Spark Denver, a transformative program originally created by the City and County of Denver, Mile High United Way, and Gary Community Ventures to increase access to afterschool and extracurricular activities for middle school students.
Launched as a pilot program in 2023, My Spark Denver provides eligible DPS middle schoolers who qualify for free or reduced lunch with $1,000 per year on a My Spark Card — allowing families to choose from over 200 local programs including sports, arts, dance, tutoring, and STEM. By putting funds directly in families’ hands, the program removes financial barriers, promotes positive youth development, and allows parents to invest in the experiences that matter most to their children.
“We are honored to continue the incredible work started by the City of Denver, Mile High United Way, and Gary Community Ventures,” said Sara Hazel, President & CEO of DPS Foundation. “My Spark aligns perfectly with DPS Foundation’s mission to increase opportunity and access for all DPS students, particularly those who have been historically underserved. Together, we’re helping young people ignite their passions, explore new interests, and thrive beyond the classroom.”
Since its launch, My Spark Denver has already shown a powerful impact:
- 80% of participating youth say they feel more connected to adults and friendships with peers
- Families report stronger engagement, with 14% more adults always knowing where their child is after school
- Students show increases in self-confidence, physical activity, and a reduction in screen time
- Local enrichment providers, especially in underserved neighborhoods, have seen boosts in enrollment and revenue
“My Spark Denver helps working families access and choose the types of enrichment activities that set kids up for success, both inside and outside the classroom,” said Santhosh Ramdoss, President and CEO of Gary Community Ventures. “At Gary, we incubate bold solutions that meet real community needs and then partner with organizations that can steward those solutions for long-term success and greater impact. With its proximity to kids and families, the DPS Foundation is the ideal partner to ensure My Spark can impact even more kids well into the future.”
With approximately 11,500 eligible middle schoolers in DPS, the DPS Foundation expects to serve between 25-35% of eligible students annually under the updated program structure. Families can learn more or apply at mysparkdenver.org.
