Press Release
May 17, 2007
Denver Public Schools Foundation Receives Grant From Arrow Electronics
Funds will support a first-time summer enrichment program for DPS students
Denver Public Schools (DPS) Foundation, which raises funds in support of the district's ambitious reform plan to improve student achievement, received a $7,500 grant from Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW) that will help fund Denver-CAMP, a new summer youth program designed to benefit students in DPS who have limited access to enrichment activities.
There is compelling evidence that organized, structured activities during the summer months play a valuable role in the lives of children. Such programs have shown to boost achievement and benefit students both socially and emotionally. Unfortunately, many families cannot afford the price of summer camps, so children are left unsupervised, are more likely to get into trouble, and less likely to reap the benefits of these quality programs.
DPS and the Denver Quality After-School Connection (DQUAC), a coalition of organizations working together to increase the quality of out-of-school programs in Denver, have combined their resources and expertise to host this camp for only $30 per student. The cost of comparable summer camps is closer to $450 per student. The DPS Foundation, with support from Arrow Electronics, is helping cover the costs of running the camp.
As many as 200 DPS students in grades 4 - 8 will have the opportunity to attend Denver-CAMP during two three-week sessions in June and July at Morey Middle School. Additionally, about 40 homeless children will be invited to enroll at no cost. Participants will enjoy and benefit from a variety of age-appropriate activities that focus on academics, technology, physical fitness, life skills, and arts. The camp is expected to help these students increase their academic skills, personal confidence, leadership abilities, and cultural awareness.
"Denver-CAMP will expose DPS youth to new skills and experiences in a structured, socially secure environment during key months when learning loss can occur," said Barbara Berv, president and CEO of Denver Public Schools Foundation. "With the support from companies like Arrow Electronics, we are ensuring that a greater number of DPS students have access to productive enrichment activities year-round."
"More than 200 children who would otherwise not have access to summer enrichment programs will benefit through Denver-CAMP and have an opportunity to learn new things. With nearly 700 employees in the Denver area, Arrow is pleased to be a part of this terrific program, helping promote education among our youth – one of Arrow's targeted areas of giving," said Mike Long, president, Global Components, Arrow Electronics.
ABOUT THE DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
DPS Foundation raises and manages funds in support of the district's ambitious reform plan - The Denver Plan - to improve student achievement. Through top-notch professional development for principals, enhanced teacher training, improved curriculum and quality of instruction, student enrichment programs, and community partnerships, we are helping to reshape Denver Public Schools into the leading big city school district in the country. For more information, visit www.dpsfoundation.org.
ABOUT ARROW ELECTRONICS
Arrow Electronics (www.arrow.com) is a global provider of products, services and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and computer products. Headquartered in Melville, N.Y., Arrow serves as a supply channel partner for more than 600 suppliers and 140,000 original equipment manufacturers, contract manufacturers and commercial customers through a global network of 260 locations in 55 countries and territories.
Contacts:
Kirstin Gerety, DPS Foundation, 720-423-3877, kgerety@dpsfoundation.org or
Krista McNamara, Arrow Electronics, 631-847-5454, kmcnamara@arrow.com.