Educators Take Flight
Bring World-Class Learning Back to Your Classroom, DPS Foundation works to support learners of all ages.
At the Denver Public Schools Foundation, we know that when our educators grow, our students thrive. That’s why we’ve partnered with DPS Foundation’s official airline, United Airlines, to offer Educators Take Flight (ETF), a unique program designed to remove the financial barrier of travel so you can access professional development across the country.
Whether there is a national conference, an innovative workshop, or an expert-led seminar in your field that can transform how you teach, ETF provides the airfare vouchers to get you there. Don’t let travel costs stand in the way of your next big breakthrough. Expand your perspective, connect with experts, and bring cutting-edge ideas home to your students.
How to Apply
We’ve streamlined the journey from finding a professional development opportunity to boarding your flight. Here is exactly how the process works:
Step 1: 🧐 Identify Your Opportunity
Find a professional development conference, seminar, or training program within the continental United States that directly aligns with DPS educational priorities.
Step 2:💬 Connect with Leadership
Talk to your school principal or department head. ETF vouchers cover the cost of airfare only, you will need their written approval/signature to confirm that your school or department can cover other costs (like lodging or conference registration) from their allocated resources.
Step 3: 📩 Submit Your Application
Create a quick online account on our portal and submit your application. We accept applications year-round and review them on a quarterly basis (March, June, September, and December). Just make sure your intended travel dates fall within one year of your submission date!
Step 4: 🛫 Book & Fly
If selected, you’ll be awarded a United Airlines economy-class flight voucher (typically H fare class). Because flights fill up fast, you will need to move quickly to accept your voucher and book your travel.
Step 5: 🧑🎓 Impact Your Students
Head out, learn from the best, and bring your inspiration back to Denver. After you return, you’ll submit a final report to share your learning and celebrate the impact your journey will have on your school community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does the voucher cover?
The voucher covers the base economy airfare to your destination. It does not cover seating upgrades, lodging, meals, or conference registration costs.
When are applications reviewed?
Applications are reviewed quarterly. Review cycles begin on the 15th of March, June, September and December. Be sure to apply well in advance of your desired travel dates!
Are the tickets flexible once booked?
Because these are specialized partner vouchers, once your flights are officially booked, the tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please double-check your calendar before locking in your flights! Please reach out to us if you encounter any obstacles, we are here to support in any way we can.
Who is eligible?
You must be a current DPS staff member both at the time you apply and at the time you travel.
Have questions or need help navigating your application?
We are here for you! Reach out to our team anytime at grantmaking@dpsfoundation.org.