Involvement in extracurricular activities after school and during the summer months has a positive impact on students. However, many families can't afford the fees that come with these types of programs.
My Spark Denver hopes to increase access to extracurricular activities that can have positive benefits for youth by providing funds directly to students and families so that they can choose the youth activities that they’re most interested in. They hope to show what is possible when more young people in Denver have access to after-school and extracurricular activities that spark joy and purpose.
Enrolled families will receive a $1,000 debit card to be used to enroll their student in one of the participating My Spark Denver programs of their choice. My Spark Denver's pilot program (2023-2024) will serve up to 4,000 Denver Public School middle school students whose families are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.
Whydoes Denver need My Spark?
We know that students involved in extracurricular activities after school and during the summer months see many benefits now and into their futures.
- Young people who have a variety of opportunities for positive learning and enrichment activities engage in less risky behavior and have higher rates of successful transitions into adulthood.
- Youth who say they have a trusted adult or group of peers they connect with regularly report more feelings of hopefulness about the future.
- Students who regularly attend afterschool programs are 26% more likely to finish the school year at or on track for grade level reading compared to their peers who do not attend afterschool programs.
Apply for My Spark Denver now!
Applications are taken on a first come, first served basis.
Who is eligible?
Students and their families must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Student must be enrolled in a Denver Public School (including Denver charter schools)
- Student must be in middle school (grades 6, 7 and 8) for the 2023-2024 school year
- Family must be eligible for free or reduced price lunch
How does it work?
- Apply to participate online.
- Parents/guardians should apply online on behalf of their child(ren).
- Once a student is approved, their family will receive a $1,000 debit card that can only be used at participating My Spark Denver programs.
- Choose from 100+ afterschool and enrichment programs listed on the My Spark Program List.
- Register for programming directly with the program provider of your choice. Use your My Spark Card to pay.
What will I need to show that my family is eligible?
- Your child’s Denver Public School ID number.
- Proof that your family is eligible for free or reduced price lunch (FRL). This can be from the 2022-2023 school year OR the 2023-2024 school year.
Kids in Denver should be able to pursue their passions and find their purpose. My Spark makes it easier to afford extracurricular activities that help kids thrive.
My Spark Denver has been launched through a partnership with the City and County of Denver, Mile High United Way, and Gary Community Ventures. Connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
