If you’re a parent of a middle schooler in Denver Public Schools (DPS), your child may qualify for a $1,000 My Spark scholarship to use toward approved after-school and extracurricular programs.
Whether your student is interested in sports, music, STEM, or a structured math enrichment program like Mathnasium, it’s important to understand how this opportunity works and how to make the most of it.
That’s why we’re taking a closer look at what the My Spark program offers, who’s eligible, how to apply, and how to choose the right program to support your child’s growth.
My Spark is an initiative designed to expand access to after-school and extracurricular activities for middle school youth in Denver Public Schools (DPS).
Originally created by the City and County of Denver, Mile High United Way, and Gary Community Ventures, the program was developed in response to a growing need for structured, engaging opportunities outside of school hours, particularly for families facing financial barriers.
In Summer 2025, the Denver Public Schools Foundation officially acquired the My Spark Denver program, taking over its administration and ongoing development.
The program now serves up to 4,000 students annually, drawn from approximately 11,500 eligible middle schoolers in DPS.
Participating families receive a restricted-use virtual debit card valued at up to $1,000 per student, which can be used across a network of more than 200 approved local providers.
Available programs span a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including:
Students who enroll in these programs gain essential life skills, form meaningful connections, and may discover the “spark” that motivates them toward future success.
My Spark Denver provides eligible DPS middle schoolers with $1,000 for after-school and extracurricular activities.
The My Spark Denver program is designed to support middle school students in Denver Public Schools (DPS) by expanding access to structured after-school and enrichment opportunities. It focuses on removing cost as a barrier for families who may not otherwise have access to these programs.
To be eligible for the My Spark Program, students must meet the following criteria:
Be enrolled in a DPS middle school (grades 6–8)
Qualify for Free or Reduced-Price Lunch
Students who meet both requirements are eligible to receive a $1,000 My Spark Card, which can be used to participate in approved extracurricular and after-school programs across the city.
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Applying for the My Spark Program is quick and parent-friendly. Most families complete the process in under 10 minutes. The 2025–2026 application cycle opened in August, and the deadline to apply is November 16, 2025.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Confirm eligibility: Make sure your student is in grades 6–8 at a DPS middle school and qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch.
Access the online application: Visit the application portal. You’ll need some basic information on hand, including your student’s DPS ID and family contact details.
Complete and submit the form: The application is available in both English and Spanish. Simply answer a few questions and submit your form online.
Once submitted, families are notified by email. If approved, they will receive a $1,000 virtual debit card, with funds available by December 16, 2025, to use on any approved My Spark program.
The My Spark Denver program gives families access to valuable extracurricular and after-school opportunities, but it’s important to remember that funds can only be used with approved providers.
To find the best fit for your child:
With so many extracurricular options, from STEM and the arts to sports and academic support, it’s understandable if you’re unsure where to begin.
To help guide your decision, focus on what could have the most meaningful and lasting impact on your child’s development.
If your child enjoys music or dance, investing in lessons may nurture their creativity.
If they love sports, a program that builds teamwork and discipline could be beneficial.
If they’ve shown an aptitude for STEM, enrolling in a coding or robotics program may help deepen their curiosity.
If they struggle in math or want to get ahead, a program that strengthens their math skills can provide a long-term academic advantage.
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Fun is important, but it shouldn't be the only factor. A well-chosen after-school program can teach your child valuable skills and build character in ways that continue to benefit them for years to come.
Consider programs that:
Support academic success: Math and STEM programs help students excel in school and beyond.
Boost confidence and critical thinking: Mastering subjects like math teaches problem-solving skills that apply in all areas of life.
Provide structured, expert instruction: Programs led by trained educators or experienced instructors tend to provide more structure and lasting impact.
Encourage consistent participation: Regular, ongoing sessions, rather than one-time events, can lead to stronger habits and deeper learning.
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To use My Spark funds, families must choose from a list of approved providers. Before enrolling in a program, check the list of approved My Spark providers.
For example, Mathnasium is an approved My Spark provider. This means families can use their My Spark Card to invest in high-quality, personalized math support that builds foundational skills and lasting confidence.
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While it may not be the first thing on your list, practical details like location and scheduling can affect how often your child attends and how much they benefit from the program overall.
Consider:
Location: Is the program close to home, school, or along your regular route?
Scheduling: Does the timing work well with your family’s weekly routine?
Online vs. In-Person Options: Would your child do better with the structure of in-person sessions, or would online learning offer the flexibility your family needs?
At Mathnasium, we offer both in-person and live, face-to-face online tutoring, so families can easily find a schedule that works.
Activities such as sports, music, and the arts all contribute to a well-rounded education. But when it comes to preparing for long-term academic success, strong math skills can open doors that other subjects may not.
Math supports readiness for advanced coursework, standardized tests, and even future college and career opportunities in high-demand fields such as science, engineering, and finance.
For families looking to build this kind of foundation, Mathnasium can help your child:
Catch up, keep up, or get ahead in math
Build critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Reduce math anxiety and gain confidence
Improve grades and standardized test scores
Mathnasium helps students of all skill levels catch up, keep up, and get ahead in math.
Mathnasium centers in Denver are My Spark approved, which means families can use their My Spark funds to enroll in our personalized math tutoring programs.
At the heart of each Mathnasium program is our proprietary teaching approach, the Mathnasium Method™.
Our proven approach consists of six key elements:
Personalization on a granular level: Students begin with a diagnostic assessment that helps us pinpoint their current skills, knowledge gaps, and preferred learning style. From the assessment results, we develop a learning plan tailored to each student’s needs.
Teaching for understanding: We explain math in language that makes sense to students. Our tutors use a thoughtful combination of Socratic questioning and direct instruction to help students become more aware of their own thinking process. Because students respond best to multi-sensory learning, we also employ mental, verbal, visual, written, and tactile techniques.
Caring guidance: In addition to being specially trained in math, our tutors are well-versed in both the technical and emotional aspects of teaching. They know when to offer support and when to challenge students to take the next step.
Focus on problem-solving and critical thinking: We go beyond rote memorization to help students truly understand the “why” and “how” behind each concept. This develops lasting problem-solving skills and critical thinking tools they can use in math and across subjects.
Singular emphasis on math: We specialize in math and math only. This allows us to go much deeper into how kids most efficiently absorb and retain math skills.
Fun, empowering environment: We make learning math engaging and rewarding. Our materials are game-based, and we incorporate incentives and awards to keep students motivated, confident, and excited to learn more.
Families report measurable progress:
94% of parents report an improvement in their child's math skills and understanding
93% of parents report an improved attitude towards math after attending Mathnasium
90% of students saw an improvement in their school grades
Enrolling at Mathnasium is easy:
Find a Mathnasium Learning Center: Visit Mathnasium Learning Centers in Denver to locate a center near you or explore online tutoring options.
Schedule a Free Assessment: Each student begins with an assessment to identify strengths and knowledge gaps, the insights we use to create personalized learning plans.
Enroll and Pay with Your My Spark Card: Once your child’s personalized learning plan is created, simply use your My Spark Card to cover the cost of tutoring sessions.
Make the most of your My Spark funds by choosing Mathnasium!
Mathnasium of Cherry Hills is a math-only learning center for K-12 students in Denver, CO. Trusted by over a million parents, Mathnasium uses personalized learning plans and the proprietary Mathnasium Method™ to help students catch up, keep up, and get ahead on their math journey.
Our specially trained tutors deliver face-to-face instruction in a supportive and fun small-group environment, working with students both in center and online to develop a deep understanding of math, build confidence, and improve academic performance.
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(720) 474-1878
(720) 474-1878
