My Spark Expansion

By Angie McPhaul, Director, Youth Success

I’m excited to share that Gary Community Ventures is partnering with six organizations across Colorado to explore how we can expand access to afterschool and summer programming for more young people in their communities.

At Gary, we believe that afterschool and summer programs aren’t nice-to-haves, they are must haves. These opportunities are essential to helping young people pursue their passions, build connections and develop a sense of purpose and belonging. Yet, too many students across Colorado are unable to access these opportunities, often due to their high cost. 

Over the past few years, we’ve seen what’s possible when cost is no longer a barrier. Through My Spark, we put $1,000 directly into the hands of families in the form of a debit card so eligible Denver Public School middle school students could choose from over 200 providers and enroll in the programs that excited them most. The results were powerful: young people tried new experiences and built stronger connections with peers and trusted adults, families felt less stress and more peace of mind, and providers experienced greater stability while engaging more young people. 

Following this successful pilot with over 4,000 DPS students, My Spark transitioned from Gary to the Denver Public Schools Foundation, where it can continue reaching even more students.

Now, we’re excited to take the next step with partners across the state to explore how this model can grow and adapt in new communities.

We’re supporting the six organizations below with planning grants, technical assistance and a shared learning experience as they consider how to expand access to afterschool and summer opportunities for the students they serve:

1. Boys and Girls Club of San Luis Valley (San Luis Valley)
2. Cherry Creek Public Schools Foundation (Arapahoe County)
3. Colorado Gives Foundation (Jefferson County)
4. D51 Public Schools Foundation (Grand Junction)
5. Foundation for Douglas County Public Schools (Douglas County)
6. Team Up for Youth (Southwest Colorado)

Throughout the grant period (April–December 2026), these organizations will assess the feasibility of bringing a program like My Spark to their community, with a particular focus on understanding the needs and interests of kids and families, identifying providers and building community support. 

Additionally, Gary and the Children’s Funding Project will support each organization in cost modeling and exploring long-term funding sources — including how new federal tax incentives for individual donors could provide an additional source of funding for afterschool and summer programming.

While regulations are still forthcoming, a new federal tax credit for individual donors to scholarship granting organizations could provide an additional source of funding for afterschool and enrichment programs. We want communities and public schools to be prepared to take advantage of this opportunity.

I am personally energized by this work because afterschool and summer programs give kids something that’s hard to find anywhere else. 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 this cohort to help make it real in more communities across Colorado.

Many Thanks,

Angie McPhaul