My Spark
In Summer 2025, DPS Foundation officially acquired the My Spark Denver program, a pioneering initiative originally created by the City and County of Denver, Mile High United Way, and Gary Community Ventures to expand access to afterschool and extracurricular activities for middle school youth.
Launched as a pilot program in 2023, My Spark Denver gives eligible families $1,000 per student on a restricted My Spark Card, allowing them to choose the afterschool and enrichment activities that fit their child’s passions — from arts and sports to STEM, tutoring, and dance. The program was designed to address the lack of structured options for middle schoolers and remove the financial barriers many working families face.
This innovative program puts financial power directly in families’ hands, helping remove barriers, increase youth confidence, and strengthen connections across our community.
Over
200
local enrichment providers available
Up to
4,000
students served annually
Proven Impact
Boosts in student confidence, exercise, friendships, and family engagement
As we step into this new leadership role, we’re excited to help My Spark Denver grow and thrive, expanding opportunities for even more DPS students and families.
How does My Spark work?
With DPS Foundation’s acquisition of My Spark, the program will be sustained and scaled, aligning perfectly with DPS Foundation’s mission to increase opportunity and access for historically underserved DPS students.
Questions? Please reach out via email to myspark@dpsfoundation.org for more information.
- Online applications will become available for eligible families around August 1.
- My Spark Card: Once approved, students receive a restricted debit card up to $1,000.
- Program Selection: Families can choose from over 200+ programs and providers.
Prospective Family Sign-Up: Please click HERE to fill out the information form so we can stay in touch and share next steps for applying to My Spark.
Registro de Familia Potencial: Haga clic AQUÍ para completar el formulario de información para que podamos mantenernos en contacto y compartir los próximos pasos para solicitar a My Spark.
Prospective Provider Sign-Up: Please click HERE to fill out the information form so we can connect with you on next steps to become a My Spark provider.
With approximately 11,500 eligible middle schoolers in DPS, the Foundation expects to serve between 2,875 and 4,025 students annually under the updated program structure.
My Spark Impact
Early successes
- Boosts in student confidence, well-being, and self-esteem
- A reduction in screen time and increased physical activity
- Stronger family engagement, with more adults knowing where their children are after school
- Tangible economic impact for local enrichment providers, especially in underserved neighborhoods
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