DPS Foundation 2022 A to Z Fund Classroom Grants for Teachers Applications Now Available

Applications for the second cycle are now open for DPS educators. The process is simple for our already busy and hardworking educators – we even have launched a new online system to make the process easier. The deadline for this cycle is Tuesday, January 18 by 5 p.m. For more information and to submit an application, visit our website. 

DPS Foundation’s A to Z Fund invests in DPS educators and classrooms to accelerate progress in Denver Public Schools. The fund supports DPS’s educators by providing money for educational materials, remote learning resources, field trip expenses, athletic equipment and opportunities that fall outside classroom budgets. Grants are awarded through a community review process each semester. This fall, Denver Public Schools Foundation awarded 67 grants totaling more than $108,000 to support classroom educators. This brings the total to more than $2.26 million in grants for more than 1,600 awardees since the fund’s inception in 2006.

“With the pandemic continuing far beyond expectations, this has been an added challenge for all of us, including our great educators. These funds not only give us useful insight into what teachers actually need and where resources from school budgets might be falling short, but it also is a way for us to give back to our educators and show them that we’re all in this together. Each year we see unique ways educators plan to use the funds and I look forward to seeing the inspiring ideas they come up with this school year as well,”

said Sara Hazel, Interim President & CEO and Vice President of Development. 

Many educators have leveraged the grant for several years, and have provided feedback about the impact it makes for their students, providing them with unique learning opportunities. The pandemic has been no exception. Educators, more than ever, are needing new ways to fund the various needs inside and outside their classroom, along with how to support and enhance student experiences remotely. 

The A to Z Fund grants go far beyond supporting educators inside the classroom:

“Children choosing virtual only for the whole school year do not have access to any materials in the classroom. I am passionate about equity and our virtual-only students need access to open-ended materials to help facilitate play. I have created space and time for children to virtually play with partners, but some do not have toys or materials to play with. If we are able to provide this group of children with play materials they will be able to learn in a more hands on way, rather than sitting in front of a screen.

We can use the materials for creative and STEAM projects, story retelling, dramatic play, games that help with math development, constructive play, and more. I want to continue to partner with parents and help them play with their children after our school hours are done. When parents play with their children they foster literacy, social-emotional, and cognitive development,”

said Paula Cuevas, educator at Denver Green Southeast ECE-8 School.

These grants speak to the shared core values of DPS Foundation and help to ensure students are supported and that teachers aren’t having to dig into their own pockets. To apply, visit our website.

Know any exceptional high school students? We are also seeking 20-30 community reviewers, including high school students, to support the application review process on January 26 and 27. Know a high school student that would make a great reviewer? Email atozfund@dpsfoundation.org to learn more.