26 Jun D51F To Explore Expanding Access to Afterschool and Summer Opportunities for Mesa County Kids
The D51 Foundation has received a grant from Gary Community Ventures to explore new strategies to expand access to afterschool and summer enrichment programs for students in Mesa County. The grant is part of a statewide effort bringing together six Colorado organizations to develop sustainable, community-driven approaches to ensuring more kids — especially those from lower-income families — can participate in the programs that interest them most.
“Afterschool and summer programs are essential for Mesa County families. They give young people safe, supportive places to learn, grow, and discover new opportunities beyond the school day. Our hope is for every child in Mesa County to have access to high-quality programs that help them thrive, no matter their background or income. We’re grateful to Gary Community Ventures for investing in our youth and helping make this opportunity possible,” said Angela Christensen, Executive Director of the D51 Foundation.
The effort builds on the success of My Spark, a program piloted in Denver by Gary Community Ventures in partnership with the City of Denver and Mile High United Way. My Spark put $1,000 directly into the hands of families — in the form of a debit card accepted at more than 200 afterschool and summer programs — so eligible middle school students could participate in activities that excited them most. Over two years, more than 4,000 students participated, with results that exceeded expectations:
• More than 90% of participants tried new experiences
• More than 80% felt more connected to peers and trusted adults
• Parents reported less stress and greater peace of mind
Following the pilot, My Spark transitioned to the Denver Public Schools Foundation, where it continues to reach students across the district. Now, Gary is working with organizations, including the District 51 Foundation, in six communities across Colorado to assess how a similar model could take root in their regions.
Throughout the grant period, the District 51 Foundation, with help from the Colorado Education Initiative (CEI), will assess the feasibility of bringing a program like My Spark to Mesa County, focusing on understanding the needs and interests of local kids and families, identifying providers, and building community support. Gary and the Children’s Funding Project will support each organization in cost modeling and exploring long-term funding sources.
“I’m personally energized by this work because after-school and summer programs give kids something that’s hard to find anywhere else,” said Angie McPhaul, Director of Youth Success at Gary. “They’re spaces where kids can connect with peers and trusted adults, try something new and discover their passions — building resilience as they take risks, fail and try again. Every kid deserves that opportunity, and I’m grateful to be working alongside the District 51 Foundation to help make it a reality in Mesa County.”
The My Spark Expansion Cohort includes six organizations from across the state:
• Boys and Girls Club of San Luis Valley (San Luis Valley)
• Cherry Creek Public Schools Foundation (Arapahoe County)
• Colorado Gives Foundation (Jefferson County)
• District 51 Foundation (Grand Junction)
• Foundation for Douglas County Public Schools (Douglas County)
• Team Up for Youth (Southwest Colorado)