Denver Parents, Check If Your Student Is Eligible for My Spark Program

If you’re a Denver Public Schools (DPS) middle school parent, your child may be eligible for a $1,000 My Spark scholarship—a fantastic opportunity to enroll them in enriching extracurricular activities. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best program for your child’s growth and success?

This guide walks you through what the My Spark program is, who qualifies, how to apply, and how to select the best program to maximize your child’s potential. 

Whether your student is interested in sports, arts, coding, or academic enrichment like Mathnasium’s proven math tutoring, we’ll help you make an informed decision.

Let’s explore how you can make the most of your My Spark funds and invest in your child’s future!

Meet the Top-Rated Math Tutors in Highlands, Denver

What Is My Spark Program?

Created through a partnership between the City of Denver, Gary Community Ventures, and Mile High United Way, The My Spark Denver program is designed to provide Denver Public Schools (DPS) middle school students with enriching extracurricular opportunities. 

For the 2024-2025 academic year, My Spark Denver will support up to 4,000 DPS middle school students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. 

Eligible families receive a $1,000 debit card, referred to as the My Spark Card, which can be used exclusively to enroll their children in approved afterschool and summer programs. 

These programs span a diverse range of interests, including:

• Sports: Encouraging physical activity and teamwork.
• Arts: Fostering creativity through visual and performing arts.
• Tutoring: Providing academic support to enhance learning.
• Dance: Offering various dance forms to promote expression and fitness.
• Outdoors: Engaging students with nature and environmental education.
• Swimming: Teaching aquatic skills and safety.
• Coding: Introducing computer programming and technology skills.
• Gymnastics: Building strength and coordination.
• Music: Cultivating musical talents and appreciation.
• Martial Arts: Instilling discipline and self-defense techniques.
• Cooking: Teaching culinary skills and nutrition.
• Summer Camps: Providing immersive experiences in various fields.

By participating in these programs, students can develop essential life skills, build confidence, and find their "spark" that motivates them toward future success.

Who Is Eligible for My Spark?

The My Spark Denver program is designed to support middle school students in DPS who come from families with financial need. 

To be eligible:

• The student must be enrolled in grades 6-8 at a Denver Public School.
• The student must qualify for free or reduced-price lunch based on federal income guidelines.

If a family meets these criteria, they can receive a $1,000 My Spark Card to use toward approved afterschool and summer programs. 

How to Apply for the My Spark Denver Program

                                                                      My Spark Denver provides eligible DPS middle schoolers with $1,000 for afterschool and summer programs.   

Applying for the My Spark Denver program is a straightforward process designed to help eligible families access enriching extracurricular activities for their middle school students. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare Necessary Documentation

Ensure you have documentation verifying your child's eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch. This can be obtained by:

• Applying for school meal benefits at myschoolapps.com and obtaining a verification letter.
• Completing the My Spark Free or Reduced Lunch Eligibility Form and having it signed by your child's school.
• Locating a copy of your verification from the previous school year (2023-2024).

2. Gather Your Child's DPS Student ID

You'll need your child's Denver Public Schools Student ID number to complete the application.

3. Complete the Online Application

Visit the My Spark Denver application page to access the application form.

Fill out the required information, including uploading the free or reduced-price lunch verification document.

4. Await Approval and Receive the My Spark Card

Once your application is reviewed and approved, you'll receive a $1,000 My Spark debit card.

Due to program updates, approved students will receive their My Spark Card in January 2025.

5. Select and Enroll in Programs

Explore the diverse range of approved afterschool and summer programs available through My Spark Denver.

Use the program finder tool to discover activities that align with your child's interests.

Register directly with the chosen program providers and use your My Spark Card to cover the associated costs.

For assistance during the application process or if you have any questions, you can contact the My Spark Denver Help Desk at 720-807-0200, available Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Mountain Time.

How to Choose Where to Use the Funds

The $1,000 My Spark Card gives families access to valuable extracurricular programs—but it’s important to remember that these funds can only be used for approved programs and vendors. 

Parents cannot withdraw cash or use the card for unapproved purchases. Instead, funds are transferred directly to the vendor when enrolling in an eligible program.

To find the best program for your child:

1. Consider Your Child’s Interests and Goals

The My Spark program offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities—from arts and sports to coding and academic support. While it’s great to explore new interests, think about what will have the most lasting impact on your child’s development.

For example:

• 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 struggle in math or want to get ahead, a program that strengthens their math skills will provide a long-term academic advantage.

2. Prioritize Programs That Offer Lasting Benefits

Some activities offer temporary enjoyment, while others build skills that benefit students 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—Look for programs with trained educators or instructors.

3. Find Approved My Spark Vendors That Align with Your Needs

My Spark funds can only be used at approved vendors. Before enrolling, check the My Spark Program Finder to confirm that the provider is eligible.

For example, Mathnasium is an approved My Spark vendor, which means families can use their My Spark Card to invest in high-quality math tutoring.

4. Think About Convenience and Flexibility

While not a key consideration, details such as location and scheduling options can impact your child’s attendance and, therefore, the impact of the program they enroll in.

Consider:

• Location—Is the program near your home or school?
• Scheduling—Does it fit into your family’s routine?
• Online vs. In-Person Options—Would your child benefit from the structure of an in-person setting, or do you prefer the flexibility of online learning?

At Mathnasium, we offer both in-person and live, face-to-face online tutoring, making it easy for families to find a schedule that works.

5. Invest in a Stronger Academic Future

While extracurricular activities like sports, music, and arts are valuable, math skills are essential for success in almost every field—from science and technology to business and engineering.

For instance, using My Spark funds for Mathnasium tutoring 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 Is My Spark-Approved

Mathnasium is a My Spark-approved vendor, which means families can use their My Spark funds to enroll in our personalized math tutoring programs. 

Whether your child needs to catch up, keep up, or get ahead, Mathnasium provides expert instruction in a fun and supportive learning environment.

At Mathnasium, your child will:

• Develop strong math skills that build confidence and improve grades.
• Receive personalized instruction tailored to their unique needs and learning style.
• Learn problem-solving strategies that enhance critical thinking across all subjects.
• Gain a lifelong appreciation for math, making future academic challenges easier.

Enrolling at Mathnasium is easy:

1. Find a Mathnasium Learning Center – Visit Mathnasium Learning Centers in Denver to locate a center near you or explore online tutoring options.

2. Schedule a Free Assessment – Each student begins with an assessment to identify strengths and knowledge gaps – insights we use to create personalized learning plans.

3. 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.

Math skills are the foundation for success in school and beyond. 

Make the most of your My Spark funds by choosing Mathnasium!

Meet the Top-Rated Math Tutors in Highlands, Denver