Pending City Council approval, the City & County of Denver is launching My Spark Denver to provide eligible DPS middle school students and their families with $1,000 to spend on extracurricular activities and afterschool programs.
Every kid in Denver should have the opportunity to pursue their passions and find their purpose through a variety of activities including athletics, arts, and academics, regardless of their income level.
DPS middle school students whose families are eligible for free and reduced lunch will be able to participate in this pilot program
extracurricular and afterschool programs across Denver accept the My Spark Denver card.
Students enrolled in My Spark Denver can use funds throughout the 2023-2024 school year.
“Afterschool programs in Colorado keep kids safe, inspire learning, and give working parents peace of mind. Kids discover who they are and what they love to do, make smart choices, and avoid risky behaviors.”
— AFTERSCHOOL ALLIANCE
Too many Denver youth are missing a sense of joy, passion, and belonging – and it shows.
More than a third of Denver youth experienced feelings of depression in the past year, and we are seeing dire consequences of these feelings – more than 11% of Denver youth seriously considered suicide in the past year.
Additionally, in 2021, 50% of Colorado parents said their children had experienced mental health strain, 44% said their children struggled with school or learning, and 39% said their children had difficulty building or maintaining friendships.
