Media Room

University of the Rockies, a leading graduate school focusing on the behavioral and social sciences, announced that it will be a school partner for Valverde Elementary School for the 2016-2017 academic year. The partnership is a result of a program sponsored by the Denver Public Schools Foundation (DPSF) and Mile High United Way.

University of the Rockies employees, working alongside Denver employees of Ashford University and Bridgepoint Education, will provide literacy tutoring for first and second grade students. University of the Rockies and Ashford University will also provide financial support to the school.

The partnership will help meet a variety of needs at Valverde. The elementary school serves a highly diverse student population and 97 percent of its students qualify for free and/or reduced-price lunch, an indicator of poverty. To kick off the partnership, University of the Rockies provided 30 uniform shirts, and employees raised more than $500 for school supplies.

“We are thrilled to partner with University of the Rockies to bring our students additional supports and new opportunities,” said Drew Schutz, Valverde Elementary principal. “While the academic and financial supports will undoubtedly benefit our students, we are also excited about the mentorship component of the partnership and the chance to better connect our students with members of our community.”

“We are truly honored and excited to be a part of this partnership,” said Jana Mathieson, University of the Rockies community relations manager. “We have worked with several schools in the area and can’t wait to work with and support the students and staff at Valverde. Service is a core value at the Rockies, and being able to have employees and the University give support in a variety of ways to members of the Denver community is a wonderful opportunity.”

“Local businesses and companies can have tremendous impact on the Denver community by partnering with our neighborhood schools,” said Nicole Capage-Brown, director of the school partners program at the Denver Public Schools Foundation. “The relationships that are built between the students and the adult volunteers contribute to the success of our students. We are thrilled to partner with University of the Rockies, and we look forward to an exciting school year at Valverde Elementary.”

About University of the Rockies

University of the Rockies is a leading graduate school of the social and behavioral sciences that offers programs for students seeking their PhD, PsyD, or Master of Arts degree. Based in Denver, Colo., the University provides students with the convenience of an online education. While working toward a degree from anywhere in the country, students enjoy access to industry professionals, research, and publishing opportunities. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu/, www.twitter.com/URockies, www.facebook.com/UniversityoftheRockies, or call Marianne Perez, Media Relations Manager, at 866.621.0124 x11636. 

About Denver Public Schools Foundation

The single most pressing and critical priority for our nation is to provide a quality education for every child. Our future depends upon it. The Denver Public Schools Foundation is Denver Public Schools’ fundraising partner. It generates resources, builds relationships and champions public education to impact system-wide achievement and help every child succeed. Through strategic program investments and community leadership, the Foundation supports Denver Public Schools in creating a district where outstanding educational achievements are the norm and all children have an opportunity for a great future. For more information, visit www.dpsfoundation.org.