October 22nd, 2012 
When it comes to education, the Denver community is a strong believer in the matter. Whether you’re fresh out of high school, somewhere in the midst of your career or just an arm’s reach away from retirement, education has always been a goal, an answer to a prayer or an opportunity. Whatever the reason, we know it strengthens our community.
(Photo Credit: The Denver Scholarship Foundation)
On the other hand, with tuition constantly on the rise and Colorado receiving less help from the government compared to most states, we understand that lack of financial support can always be the biggest obstacle to pursuing educational goals. Grants and loans may be a good solution to many aspiring students, but it still leaves a good number of people stranded because they may not even be able to afford the application fee. This leaves many students less motivated to pursue their academic dreams, which is the case for many students from Denver Public Schools (DPS) where 72 percent of the students come from low-income families.
In efforts to bridge the gap, The Denver Scholarship Foundation has been making significant efforts to help DPS students pursue their educational goals by providing “incentives and financial support to make college completion a reality” since 2007.
To continue these efforts, The Denver Scholarship Foundation invites you to join them at their 2012 Annual Ed Gala on November 7, 2012. Presented by Davita, all proceeds will go toward the foundation’s mission. You have a choice of purchasing an individual ticket, VIP package or sponsorship level tickets. In addition, treat yourself to the words of the highly-respected keynote speaker, the chairman of Gallup and author of The Coming Jobs War, Jim Clifton. Other notable and important personalities will be present as well.
The efforts of the foundation have provided remarkable results. College enrollment has increased by 30 percent since 2007 and out of all DSF Scholars, 81 percent are either still in school or have completed their program. About 75 percent will be among the first generation in their family to graduate from college.
2008 singing ceremony. Left to right: University of Colorado president Bruce Benson, the Denver Scholarship Foundation’s Tim Marquez and Denver’s then-mayor, John Hickenlooper (Photo Credit: The Denver Post)
Among several programs and initiatives, one of the successful elements of the foundation are the Future Centers. Staffed with full-time college advisers and located inside 16 DPS schools, DPS students can get hands-on help from filling out applications and writing essays, to learning about college programs and applying for financial aid. Once students are accepted into college, Future Center advisers continue to help students throughout college so they can have a successful experience and complete their graduation.
Scholarships are dependent on community generosity and donations and, with everyone’s help, the Denver Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than 3,200 DPS graduates scholarships to pay for college over the past four years. Individuals can designate their sponsorship in many ways such as a graduate of a particular high school, a student at a specific college, a student with a specific ethnic background or a student focusing on a particular area of study. Volunteer opportunities are also available!
Support the foundation and join the community at the 2012 Annual Ed Gala!
WHEN: Wednesday, November 7, 2012
General Reception begins at 5:30 p.m.
Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE:
Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center
650 15th Street
Denver, CO 80202
TICKETS: Individual Dinner Ticket $250
Young Professional Dinner Ticket $125
VIP packages and other sponsorship tickets can be found here.
