Helping Denver Kids Pursue Their Passions And Find Their Spark
What Could Be
All kids have opportunities to participate in afterschool and summer activities
Should Be
My Spark Denver provides $1,000 to parents of middle school students so their kids can enroll in a variety of out-of-school programs
Kids who regularly attend afterschool programs report higher rates of well-being and do better in school compared to their peers without the same enrichment opportunities. However, the high cost of afterschool programs is often a barrier to participation.
To address this challenge, Gary partnered with the City and County of Denver and Mile High United Way to co-fund and design a new venture. The venture, known as My Spark Denver, gave parents a $1,000 afterschool stipend in the form of a restricted debit card that could be used to participate in a variety of activities. More than 4,000 kids and more than 200 afterschool providers participated.
Gary engaged families and afterschool partners to improve student experience and find ways to reach even more kids and families. After two years, the results were astounding:
- More than 90% of kids attended more programs and tried new experiences.
- The self-esteem, confidence and well-being of kids rose significantly.
- Parents reported less stress, more access to programs and greater peace of mind.
To ensure My Spark’s ability to serve even more kids now and long after Gary sunsets, the team searched for a public institution that could own and operate the program. With its proximity to Denver’s middle school students, the Denver Public Schools Foundation became the obvious choice. With support from Gary’s Ventures, Philanthropy, Legal & Finance and Communications & External Affairs teams, My Spark Denver transitioned to the Denver Public Schools Foundation in August of 2025.
“My son often struggles making new friends due to mental health struggles. Allowing him to participate in sports or activities more often can support his mental health and build social skills.”
Parent of a My Spark Participant
Afterschool Is Essential
For families managing the high cost of groceries and health care, enrolling kids in afterschool or summer activities can feel like a nice-to-have. But all kids deserve access to these must-have opportunities.
The Impact Is High
Students who regularly attend afterschool programs do better in school compared to their peers without the same enrichment opportunities. Youth who say they have a trusted adult or group of peers they connect with regularly report more feelings of hopefulness about the future.
And So Is The Cost
Nearly 60% of parents say the high cost of afterschool programs keeps them from enrolling their kids.
Outcomes From The My Spark Denver Pilot
With invaluable guidance from our community advisors, afterschool providers, kids, families and our partners at the City and County of Denver and Mile High United Way, Gary piloted My Spark Denver over two years. The evaluation data is extraordinary.
1
More New Experiences
More than 90% of kids attended more programs and tried new experiences.
2
Connection And Trust
More than 80% of kids reported feeling more connected to peers and trusted adults — two protective factors against mental health struggles.
3
Valued And Understood
Kids felt more understood, like their ideas mattered and that Denver was a better place to grow up.
4
Less Stress, Greater Peace Of Mind
Parents reported less stress, more access to programs and greater peace of mind, knowing where their kids were and who they were with after school.
5
Increased Revenue And Enrollment
54% of providers – most often local small businesses, small nonprofits and local community members – saw increased revenue. 61% saw enrollment growth, often reaching communities they’d never served before.
From Idea To Exit: Milestones Of My Spark Denver
Spring 2022
The Ventures team ran multiple afterschool pilots, one of which paid teachers to offer afterschool enrichment opportunities to their students.
Winter 2023
Planning for an afterschool pilot began by enrolling afterschool providers across the metro area and identifying the tech platforms and payment partners needed to launch.
Summer 2023
Gary partnered with the City and County of Denver and Mile High United Way to grow the small pilot program into a larger public-private initiative that allowed 4,000 Denver Public Schools middle school students to participate in afterschool and summer activities of their choice.
Fall 2023
Publicly launched My Spark Denver. The mayor, members of Denver City Council, Mile High United Way and Gary hosted a kids’ town hall to celebrate the launch.
2023 & 2024 School Years
My Spark Denver served 4,000 kids and distributed $4 million to more than 200 afterschool and summer program providers.
May 2025
Evaluation data shows that My Spark increases connections and has a positive impact on kids and parents.
August 2025
After a two-year pilot and with powerful evaluation data, My Spark Denver transitioned to the Denver Public Schools Foundation, which will operate the program long-term and increase its impact.
October 2025
The DPS Foundation distributed $1 million to My Spark families within two months of launching the program for the school year.
