Education/STEM (Metro Stadium District Funding)

Project Name: Save Teen Lives – Teen Crash Avoidance

Funding Amount Requested: $15,000.00
Funding Awarded: $15,000

Response to Application Questions

1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.

Adam and Dorothy Miller Lifesafety Education Center (dba South Metro Safety Foundation or SMSF) the non-profit partner of South Metro Fire & Rescue. Our mission is to provide injury prevention classes to the community with a focus on youth.

2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?

In 2022, Colorado witnessed its highest driver fatalities in decades, with alarming numbers among teen drivers. A lack of affordable driving education that includes decision-making skills, along with technical skills contributed to this issue.

3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?

Our goal is to provide our Teen Crash Avoidance Class and Driver Awareness Program to new drivers in Douglas County for a dramatically discounted rate and even free if possible. We have to potential to reach approximately 350 new drivers per year.

4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?

We offer scholarships for underserved families through an application process. While classes may be greatly discounted with this funding, we will continue with this process to assess additional needs for assistance.

5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?

We will promote the program directly to Douglas County schools through social media as well as during safety presentations conducted by SMFR. We will also use South Metro Fire PIO’s to assist with promotion.

6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?

An established DC organization, CALF has served our youth for 20+ years. The proposal’s goals build upon our past and future successes with deliberate, incremental progress toward CALF’s long-range strategic planning and implementation efforts.

Project Name: ACC Douglas County Youth Scholarship Endowment

Funding Amount Requested: $50,000.00

Response to Application Questions

1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.

ACC Foundation works to advance the mission of ACC by providing financial assistance and opportunities to students, encouraging public support for the college, and strengthening the teaching, learning and cultural environment of the college.

2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?

ACC Foundation seeks seed funding to establish an endowment to provide annual scholarships in perpetuity for Douglas County Public Schools graduates to attend ACC. This endowment, if funded, will be matched at 100% by the Sturm Family Foundation.

3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?

ACC Foundation will financially support the cost of ACC attendance for 1 to 4 young adults (aged 18-22) each year. Students will have access to low-cost post-secondary education and a pathway to the workforce or transfer to 4-year institutions.

4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?

The Douglas County Scholarship will provide access to higher education for Douglas County Public Schools graduates with demonstrated need, affording opportunity for underserved/underrepresented populations to access a pathway to economic mobility.

5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?

ACC will promote the scholarship at recruiting events for students and their families at Douglas County High Schools, on the ACC website, and through ACC’s financial aid office. The endowment will also be promoted to donors who may contribute.

6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?

The one-time grant seed funding of $50,000 will be matched by Sturm for an endowment of $100,000. This will generate an estimated $4,000 per year, in perpetuity, to be used for scholarships annually. Future designated donations may grow the fund.

Project Name: Youth Learning, Serving, and Leading with Purpose at CALF’s Lowell Ranch

Funding Amount Requested: $75,000.00
Funding Awarded: $75,000

Response to Application Questions

1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.

CALF teaches life skills and values while inspiring lives, nurturing leaders, and building lasting relationships as while growing food to feed our community. Youth learners, volunteers and leaders gain authentic knowledge in an outdoor, rural place.

2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?

Funding will address the lack of access to fieldtrips due to school district funding limitations, increased food insecurity and youth mental health issues. CALF offers youth different viewpoints, new experiences, and fresh air to feed the mind/body.

3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?

Goals: Increase outdoor education, service opportunities, and leadership activities through transportation fund, CALF facility/program improvements
Youth Impacted:4500 per year
Benefits: Gaining life-skills/feeding people/improving mental health

4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?

CALF connects ALL people to agriculture including Douglas County’s underserved youth. CALF will research and develop ways to ensure barriers do not exist in serving underserved youth. We always offer DC youth with special needs programs for free.

5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?

Grant funding will assist in the development of a complete spectrum of outreach/marketing materials distributed to schools and other youth organizations by email, mail, and social media as appropriate.

6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?

An established DC organization, CALF has served our youth for 20+ years. The proposal’s goals build upon our past and future successes with deliberate, incremental progress toward CALF’s long-range strategic planning and implementation efforts.

Project Name: TSA State Competition

Funding Amount Requested: $1,000.00
Funding Awarded: $1,000

Response to Application Questions

1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.

TSA is a national organization dedicated to helping students develop science, technology, engineering and math skills through friendly competitions. Our students compete in the TSA national and state events at the Colorado annual state conference.

2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?

This funding would help the members of the TSA club attend the state conference. The cost of attending the state competition is prohibitive for some of our members. This donation would guarantee that everyone who qualifies can attend and compete.

3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?

The aim of this project is to make sure everyone who qualifies can attend the TSA state conference. This will impact the students who could now afford to attend but also bring recognition to the engineering program at Castle View High School.

4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?

This promotes access for underserved communities because it will help those with limited financial means participate in STEM programs and learn valuable skills that will benefit those students for the rest of their lives.

5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?

TSA is open to all Castle View High students. At the beginning of the school year, TSA participates in a club fair that introduces TSA to all the students. TSA will promote this program at that event.

6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?

TSA is a national organization and Castle View has participated in its competitions for years. It will continue well into the future and help students explore STEM educational opportunities.

Project Name:  STEM/Maker Fair Supplies

Funding Amount Requested: $3,500.00
Funding Awarded: $3,500

Response to Application Questions

1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.

We extend CSU reach to our county through school outreach, 4H(project based), & Juntos(assisting Latino students). Strong focus on STEM and leadership. Founded in 1902.Proven results.

2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?

STEM education needs to be stronger and more engaging. Hands-on helps! We will create a collection of the best interactive STEM activities that can travel to many locations through fairs and events to increase interest and understanding of STEM.

3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?

Hold 1 major event/month. Also use supplies in school programs, Juntos, clubs. This is proven system for Extension. Over 10 yrs, estimate 13500 impacted through fairs, 12K through in school programs, and 50 Juntos youth attending college for STEM.

4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?

Focus on Title I schools & schools with underserved groups, which often have less STEM funding. Promote through Douglas County Juntos, which was founded in 2007 to help Latino students increase high school graduation rates & college attendance.

5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?

CSU programs are in demand in schools. Our Outreach coordinator’s purpose is working with schools to deliver programs. We will also use the STEM activities at 4H clubs and community events and hold our own fairs open to community to get most use.

6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?

This 1-time investment gives us needed supplies to improve the quality of programs we’re already doing. We have ongoing funding for staff that will leverage this into a big impact. Extension has done education for 100 yrs and will continue long-term.

Project Name: STEM Lending Library

Funding Amount Requested: $5,000.00
Funding Awarded: $5,000

Response to Application Questions

1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.

We extend educational reach of Colorado State University to county through 4H(project based learning), Juntos (helping Latino students navigate education systems), outreach to schools(xtra programs/clubs). Since 1902-proven program w/proven results.

2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?

Schools are overwhelmed & STEM education suffers. Using CSU expertise, we’ll develop STEM lending library with all materials needed for hands-on, engaging school enrichment to assist teachers. Kits for all grade levels. Delivered by teacher or us.

3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?

Provide high-quality kits for loan. Based on similar CSU programs in other counties, we will impact 36K youth over 5 yrs through schools, 500 through summer lending, & 50 Juntos youth becoming interested in & attending college for STEM.

4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?

Promote to Title I schools and to schools with underserved populations. CSU is very strict on DEI, so already at parity. Use in Juntos program, which was launched in 2007 to provide Latino students with resources to graduate and go to college.

5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?

CSU programs are already used in Douglas County schools. The school outreach agent we’re in process of hiring will grow this relationship. We’ll also use Juntos, County Fair, 4-H presence. We can reach 199K people thru the county’s marketing team.

6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?

1-time investment to improve education we’re already doing. We don’t have funding for this large investment but do have staff, building, CSU support to continue. Program is ongoing & indefinite. Ext prgms have been in STEM education for 100 yrs.

Project Name: Spanish Interpretation for 4-H programming

Funding Amount Requested: $5,000.00
Funding Awarded: $5,000

Response to Application Questions

1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.

The Douglas County Extension Office seeks to serve the whole community of Douglas County with our science backed educational programming, that focuses on youth development, horticulture, and other life skills development for youth.

2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?

Our programs are delivered exclusively in English but we seek to serve our increasing Spanish speaking population. Current staff are not trained to provide this service, so we seek to contract interpreters to successfully communicate.

3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?

By removing the language barrier we will be able to engage more youth in our programming which has measurable results in life skills development. We seek to be able to provide this same result to the Spanish speaking members of our community.

4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?

There are currently few programs that are targeting Spanish families. We seek to create and share strategies across the county with the findings of this funding with partners to build more programming that will engage this audience.

5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?

We have gathered information from surveys that indicates word of mouth from trusted sources and specific social media apps are our strongest outreach tools. We will utilize these platforms in Spanish to promote our language inclusive programs.

6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?

We will use this funding to understand how much funding we will need in future years. We will then readjust our budgets to cover these costs. CSU will cover the cost to translate written materials. This will support future efforts.

Project Name: Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL)

Funding Amount Requested: $100,000.00

Response to Application Questions

1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.

DCLF supports the mission of Douglas County Libraries, a countywide system that welcomes all, offers vibrant libraries, and provides resources, programs and services that elevate our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection.

2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?

Offset funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. DPIL allows every child 0-5 to receive age-appropriate books monthly at home, for free, eliminating barriers and promoting lifelong literacy habits that translate into school and life success.

3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?

Enroll all DougCo youth 0-5, about 21,000 kids. Children who have books at home are likely to read more often and have higher literacy skills upon entering school, and they will share common ground with other children no matter their background.

4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?

DPIL specifically addresses every child, regardless of income or background. It is well-suited to connect with underserved youth in DC. Books arrive at kids’ homes for free, including bilingual titles, giving equal access and removing barriers.

5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?

DPIL is promoted through our website, social media, eNewsletter, outreach events, Storytimes, at all library locations, and in gift bags provided to new parents at hospitals across the county. Promotion is active and seeing great success.

6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?

DCL is committed to offering DPIL through normal operating budget. The state of CO continues to support half the costs of the program and the DCL Foundation will seek corporate support, individual donations, and grants to help bridge funding gaps.

Project Name: Tuition Assistance for Underserved children in Douglas County

Funding Amount Requested: $50,000.00
Funding Awarded: $50,000

Response to Application Questions

1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.

Garden Preschool was founded (in 2009) with the goal to give every child the best education. Over half of GPS’s students receive tuition assistance & many participate in CCAP and UPK. GPS is an inclusive school welcoming children with special needs.

2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?

Unfortunately, many families are struggling and cannot afford early childcare education. GPS continues to receive a growing number of applications for tuition assistance and high quality early childcare. This funding will help us add more classrooms

3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?

The goal is to expand the school and accommodate more Douglas County youth, especially those with financial restraints and well as special needs.

4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?

This would afford the underserved children access to high quality early childcare education, which has proven to be vital to success of a healthy, social emotional, growing child.

5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?

This will be promoted through our marketing team, which has experience reaching Douglas County youth and their families.

6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?

We are working with additional funders to continue being able to offer this program. Plus,the state is progressively moving towards more funding for early childhood programs in the future. This will also help with expansion,which is a 1 time cost.

Project Name: Girls’ Persist

Funding Amount Requested: $7,081.00
Funding Awarded: $7,081

Response to Application Questions

1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.

501© 3 Nonprofit Organization

2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?

Girls’ Persist is a STEM based leadership program which consists of hands-on STEM applications and learning algorithms viable for shaping self-efficacy and increasing capacity for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?

a) Increase the representation of women STEM professionals’ overtime
b) Create a safe and welcoming space for all girls; and
c) Deliver equitable STEM leadership workshops while consistently measuring impact-60-75 students will be impacted.

4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?

a) Shape a learning community where all girls feel welcome and safe to discover who they are without judgement.
b) Provide a community where girls can hone leadership skills, build self confidence, and explore varied STEM learning methodologies.

5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?

The effort will be promoted to Douglas County youth through a myriad of media outlets and activities e.g., social media, strategic marketing campaigns, STEM Fest, and Lady Trailblazer sponsored events.

6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?

a) Provide evidence-based learning practices in real-time both effectively and equitably.
b) Utilize funding sources ethically to support strategic ways to invest in Douglas County youth e.g., grants and donations.
c) Deliver measurable outcomes.

Project Name: Tutoring and Mentoring for Douglas County Schools

Funding Amount Requested: $7,500.00
Funding Awarded: $7,500

Response to Application Questions

1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.

Whiz Kids offers one-to-one tutoring, positive mentoring relationships, and spiritual nurture to students below the literacy and poverty lines. Tutors walk together with children, resulting in academic improvements in reading, math, and self-esteem.

2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?

Whiz Kids (WK) exists to address persistent student achievement gaps based on income and race. For example, statewide statistics show only 19% of students of color are proficient in Math, compared with 39% of white students.

3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?

The goal is to improve critical reading and math skills and student confidence via one-on-one tutoring at our Parker site. This site serves 25 of the lowest performing students in the county who face life-long repercussions without intervention.

4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?

Whiz Kids only serves Douglas County youth who are underserved, primarily Pine Lane Elementary students. Across the program, 87% if students are BIPOC, 96% are on the free/reduced lunch program and 26% are English language learners.

5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?

Whiz Kids is promoted directly through the school. School staff members help the team identify students falling within the achievement gap and then Whiz Kids uses direct outreach to those students (and families) to fill the 25 available spots.

6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?

Whiz Kids has a loyal base of donors and consistent grant-seeking endeavors, through which WK has been operating this Douglas County site for 10 years. WK will continue to seek public, private, and corporate resources to serve struggling students.