As Colorado Gives Day 2017 approaches, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported DSST and our students throughout our 14 years. Furthermore, we hope you consider DSST when choosing which organization(s) you support this year.
When we founded the DSST network in 2004, our mission was – and remains to this day – ending educational inequities in the Denver Metro area. Our students are excelling, regardless of race or socio-economic background. And while we’re grateful for everyone’s support, we still have more work to do.
Let’s look at a few ways your donation can directly impact students:
- College Success: First-generation, low-income college students face a lot of obstacles. Nationwide, only 11% of these students graduate from college within six years. However, DSST students with the same background perform much better: a 51% college graduation rate, nearly five times the national average. But we know we can do even better. Since our founding, DSST seniors have a 100% college acceptance rate, and our team is committed to matching college-bound students with schools which will set them up for success.
- Becoming the best versions of themselves: We all know about DSST’s academic success. But did you know our schools actively work with all students to identify and consistently live their own values. We develop this through our strong campus communities where daily interactions are grounded in our six core values: courage, curiosity, doing your best, integrity, respect, and responsibility.
- STEM education: Did you know college graduates with a STEM degree will earn an average of $500,000 more over their lifetime than non-STEM graduates? Every day, our students use scientific processes to make sense of their world helps develop vital critical-thinking and problem-solving skills that will help in whatever career they pursue while being especially prepared to pursue STEM degrees.
Visit the Colorado Gives website for more information on DSST and how you can help us continue to open new pathways for our students to find success in school and life. If you have further questions, contact Senior Manager of Development Bill Tortorici.