News Release
September 8, 2005
Denver Public Schools Foundation Announces More Than $650,000 In Lights On After School Grants For 2005-2006 School Year
The Denver Public Schools Foundation today announced Lights On After School grants totaling $658,874 for the 2005-2006 school year.
The Lights On After School funding initiative is a collaboration among the district, the Denver Public Schools Foundation, Mile High United Way and the Mayor's Office for Education and Children. The partnership was formed to sustain and expand school-based after-school programs for elementary and middle school students in Denver Public Schools.
In all, 89 schools will receive funding for grant requests that range from $1,200 to $12,000. Of those schools, 36 will receive awards exceeding $8,000.
To qualify at the $8,000 funding level, grant proposals must illustrate a high degree of coordination within the school and involvement of community partners. Large scale programs include a broad variety of activities and must serve at least 75 students with 60 hours of programming or more during the school year.
"High-quality proposals meet the academic, physical, cultural and social needs of their students," said Patricia Sterner, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the DPS Foundation. "We had many excellent proposals this year that will have a direct impact on the quality of the whole school experience for children."
Some of the large programs seek to break cultural and language barriers within schools, reaching out to involve international populations from Mexico, Africa and Asia with multi-lingual instruction and celebrations of diversity. Other proposals fund a variety of clubs and activities such as Math Counts teams, Shakespeare Theater, computer clubs, Advanced Band, Indian Focus Club, Student Council, National Junior Honor Society and clubs that encourage minorities and female students to pursue an interest in science and math.
The funds are awarded through a competitive grant process. Programs are designed to provide a variety of activities for students, to enhance their academic skills, increase their engagement in school, foster social relationships between students, build bonds between students and teachers, and boost self confidence.
The initiative has now completed two years of operation. Shirley Farnsworth of DPS Extended Learning, who helps coordinate the program, said that the success of the programs and dedicated fundraising efforts, along with expanding awareness of the need for quality after-school programming, led to the increased grants this year.
Many schools require students to complete their homework, attend school regularly and behave appropriately in day-school classes in order to participate after school. Evidence from previous years shows that this reduces disciplinary actions and encourages students to engage in their day-school classes with increased confidence.
"The after-school programs that we were able to offer our students have brought a new level of excitement about school to both the students and the teachers who acted as club leaders," said Montclair School of Academics & Enrichment principal Shannon Hagerman. "Our school culture has been positively impacted by these after-school activities and we are dedicated to continuing with these efforts in the future".
Added Munroe Elementary School principal Jody Cohn: "In this neighborhood, students face challenging circumstances every day. The nearest park is miles away. After-school activities keep them safe until their parents return from work. Most of our students would like to stay after school five days a week!"
One intent is to reach students of all abilities, cultures and needs. In designing their after-school programs, schools can incorporate strategies to unite Spanish and English speakers, encourage kids who struggle in school to become more engaged, and provide resources to homeless students. These programs help break barriers for these students and offer them new opportunities for learning, social development and enjoyment.
For more information, contact the DPS Communications Office at 720-423-3414 or call Catherine Barnes, 720-424-8256. A full list of grant awards is available at www.dpsfoundation.org.