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Denver Public Schools Foundation Receives Grant from Qwest Foundation

$100,000 grant will support Principal Leadership Development

DENVER (June 2, 2010) – Today before a crowd of more than 600 Denver Public School (DPS) educators and school leaders at the Denver Convention Center, Superintendent Tom Boasberg announced the Qwest Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Foundation to support leadership development for all DPS principals and assistant principals to enable them to become more effective school leaders.

The Principal Leadership Development program, a key initiative of the DPS Foundation, includes an annual summer institute, ongoing seminars, professional development opportunities, and mentors for new principals. These programs give school leaders the tools and support they need to succeed and to implement effective education reform in their schools.“The Qwest Foundation is a strong supporter of pre-K through 12th grade education initiatives in Colorado,” said Chuck Ward, Qwest state president of Colorado. “We share the district’s vision and goal of equipping administrators with information and training that will ultimately prepare our children to succeed. We believe that educating children is the cornerstone for building strong and enlightened communities.”The Qwest Foundation's core principle is that investing in people and communities provides lasting value for the future. The Qwest Foundation awards grants to community-based programs that generate high-impact and measurable results, focusing on pre-K through grade 12 education.Under Superintendent Boasberg, DPS strives to ensure that effective leaders are in place at every DPS school, and that those leaders are supported with the training and professional development they need to be the “CEO” of their schools and to drive student achievement. DPS began the Principal Leadership program in 2006 under the belief that nothing is more essential to a great school than a great leader. Investing in school leaders has been one of the key areas of the reform efforts underway in DPS. “Denver Public Schools is grateful for the opportunity to continue a long-standing partnership with the Qwest Foundation in support of our students and schools,” said Boasberg. “Qwest is a true partner in the community.”

“This is a very exciting and important time for our schools,” said Kristin Colon, DPS Foundation president and CEO. “The quality of public education is critical to every child’s future and to the future of the Denver community. We are grateful to the Qwest Foundation and their shared commitment to the lives of the 78,000 students in Denver Public Schools.”

About the Qwest Foundation

The Qwest Foundation's core principle is that investing in people and communities provides lasting value for the future. The Qwest Foundation awards grants to community-based programs that generate high-impact and measurable results, focusing on pre-K through grade 12 education.

About the Denver Public Schools Foundation
The DPS Foundation raises and manages funds in support of various programs that drive student achievement, including principal leadership development, resources for teachers and classrooms, and after-school tutoring and enrichment programs. Through strategic program investments and community leadership, we support Denver Public Schools in creating a district where outstanding educational achievements are the norm and all children have hope of a great future. For more information or to support the Denver Public Schools Foundation, visit www.dpsfoundation.org.

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Contact:

Denver Public Schools Foundation

Sarah Dixon

Director of Marketing & Communications

sdixon@dpsfoundation.org

720-423-3877