The Western Union Foundation Commits $250,000 Strategic Funding to Support Denver Public Schools

The Western Union Foundation has committed a grant of $250,000 to the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Foundation in support of innovative programs in DPS, with a strategic focus on narrowing Colorado’s skills gap. The grant is being made as The Western Union Company makes a significant and long-term commitment to Denver, as the location of its global headquarters.

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The Western Union Foundation commits $250,000 strategic funding to support Denver Public Schools as part of a $1 million funding pledge made last October, in support of local community programs throughout Denver. (Photo: Business Wire)

Among the first programs to receive Western Union Foundation support will be the DPS CareerLaunch internship program. The CareerLaunch program is designed to give students the opportunity to apply classroom learning and build critical real-world skills through six-week and semester-long internships. According to the DPS Foundation, 67.3% of DPS students live in poverty. CareerLaunch internships give students the opportunity to earn a financial award as well as begin to build professional networks they might not have otherwise.

“The Western Union Foundation is proud to stand with our partners at the DPS Foundation in helping to ensure that Denver’s schoolkids have the skills and knowledge they need to do whatever they want in life, no matter their background,” said Elizabeth Roscoe, vice president and executive director of the Western Union Foundation. “The initiatives we are supporting will help close the skills gap and keep Denver’s young people competitive in the job market.”

As part of its support, the Western Union Foundation will also be the Presenting Sponsor of the DPS Foundation’s 2018 Achieve Gala, the organization’s largest annual fundraising event that showcases the talents and achievements of DPS students and is attended by nearly 1,000 guests. Funds raised at the Gala help DPS ensure that every child in Denver has access to a quality education.

“We could not be more excited about the Western Union Foundation’s commitment to the CareerLaunch program, which literally helps launch students into success and changes the trajectory of their lives. And I believe that our city is strengthened by every student who graduates ready to lead a successful life,” said DPS Foundation President and CEO Verónica Figoli.