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Foundation Business and Education Leaders Gather to Launch New Progrm...

The Pepsi Center in downtown Denver played host to just under 150 educators and business professionals who were on hand for the launch of Denver Public Schools's8217; (DPS) School Partners Program (SPP). Launched by the Denver Public Schools Foundation and sponsored by the Daniels Fund and Qwest, the program is a major new initiative to help improve and enhance educational opportunities for students throughout DPS. The School Partners Program is designed to cultivate, nurture, and sustain partnerships between local businesses and schools, and the 20 businesses present have already agreed to providing financial and non-financial resources to the initial 20 DPS schools and the students they serve.



's8220;We have it in our power to begin the world over again,'s8221; said Joe Blake, president/CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce (quoting American Revolutionary's8212;Thomas O. Paine). 's8220;Under Michael Bennet's8217;s leadership, we have the opportunity to rebuild our school system and make it an asset to our city. I's8217;m excited about the role the business community is being asked to play.'s8221;



On hand to officially launch the program were: Karla Raines, School Partners Program director; Barbara Berv, president & CEO of the Denver Public Schools Foundation; Elaine Gantz Berman, vice chair of the Denver Public Schools Board; Michael Bennet, DPS superintendent; Joe Blake, president & CEO of the Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce; Teresa Taylor, vice president & chief human resources officer at Qwest; and Jason Gaulden, education program officer with the Daniels Fund.



The school partners program creates tailor-made partnerships between schools, and business/community organizations. School partners provide volunteer time, in-kind contributions and financial resources to meet the specific needs of their school. In return, partners help enhance the educational opportunities for the business and community leaders of tomorrow.



School Partner Program business partners include: Cherry Creek GMAC Real Estate (Fairmont K-8), Chuck Wells & Associates (South HS, Kunsmiller Middle School, Schmitt Elementary), Clayton Fixed Income Services (Mitchell K-8), Colorado Studios (Ashley Elementary), Corona Research (Schenck Elementary), Costco (Ashley Elementary), Crescent Real Estate (Mitchell K-8), Mellon Private Wealth Management (Montclair Elementary), Salazar Family Foundation (Schenck Elementary), Northern Trust (Barnum Elementary), Dave & Busters (Montbello HS, Rachel B. Noel Middle School), John & Carrie Morgridge, Cisco Systems, Piton Foundation (Fairview Elementary), Kaplan Kirsch Rockwell (South HS), Kent Denver School (Kaiser K-8), Kroenke Sports Enterprises/Altitude Sports & Entertainment (Fairview Elementary), School Partners Program still in need of partners include: Newlon Elementary and Columbian Elementary.



Qwest

The Qwest Foundation is dedicated to enriching the lives of customers and the communities we serve. Community service is at the heart of Qwest's8217;s heritage. It's8217;s more than just caring; it's8217;s a commitment to making a difference. The Qwest Foundation awards grants that generate high impact and measurable results through community-based programs in the area of preK-12 education. We encourage you to learn more about the Foundation and request funding for your program.



About The Denver Public Schools Foundation

Denver Public Schools Foundation serves as the primary 's8216;portal of philanthropy's8217; for the district by raising and managing funds in support of the district's8217;s ambitious plan to improve student achievement. Our areas of funding are based on the directive of district leadership and what they determine to be the top educational priorities in need of additional support. Whether it's8217;s supporting new teachers, a new science curriculum, principal professional development, after-school programs, individual school needs, or connecting businesses with schools, we strive to build successful partnerships between our donor community and the district.



About The Daniels Fund

In the benevolent and entrepreneurial spirit of our founder, Bill Daniels, our mission is to partner with individuals, organizations, and communities to recognize inherent value, develop abilities, and provide opportunities in order to fulfill our collective potential.



Contacts:

Barbara Berv, President/CEO, Denver Public Schools Foundation

720.423.3535



Ciandra Jackson, School Partners Program Assistant

303.894.8246



Michael Dunne, Qwest

303.965.0561

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