Community Newsletter

School is back in session, and students are beginning to launch into their futures, thanks to the generous Denver community that makes our work possible at Prosperity Denver Fund.

Thousands of Denver students are starting classes and programs in high schools, technical schools, community colleges, and universities all across the state, supported by one of the 100 different organizations who are part of the Prosperity Denver Fund family. These students are receiving training and education to build meaningful lives in the communities they call home. We’re so honored to be a part of this family.

This week marks the start of the Fall Distribution Cycle for Prosperity Denver Fund. That means every one of those 100 organizations could be preparing to apply for reimbursement for their work during the 2024-25 school year. Our small but dedicated team is ready to help with this process, and we expect this to be our largest distribution ever. We’re inspired by the amazing work these organizations do, which we learn about in the applications we receive, and we celebrate all our partners for their success in helping Denver students build their futures.

Speaking of inspiration – last weekend, I had the pleasure of joining the Puksta Foundation to celebrate 25 years of Puksta scholars in Colorado. Founded by the generosity of Denver residents Harry and Eva Puksta, neither of whom went to college themselves, this program has more than 400 alumni and 63 current students in five university cohorts. John and NiChel Mulstay, who lead the foundation based on Pukstas’ legacy, have created a sense of family among the scholars, which has helped them reach an astonishing 97% graduation rate.

One of their alumni is Marco Dorado, who graduated from University of Colorado Boulder as a Puksta scholar in 2014. Now the Managing Director of Communities Lead Communities Thrive, he recognizes the connections made and experiences as a part of the Puksta “family” as key to his success. “I can’t imagine my life today without having been a part of Puksta,” he shared with the community.

Whether you’re someone who is sad to see summer end, or who loves to look ahead to cooler weather and the bustle of the school year, I hope you will think about who and what helped you along your journey. And while you offer thanks, you can be proud to be part of a community that invests in the futures of our young Denver leaders every day.

You can read more about Prosperity Denver Fund in our latest Community Newsletter.