What does Emily Griffith Foundation do?
Emily Griffith Foundation supports the work of Emily Griffith Opportunity School by raising money to fill unmet financial needs. Since it was established in 1990, the Foundation has raised more than $1.3 million for student scholarships. The Foundation also has provided nearly $1.85 million for instructional equipment, education programs and capital improvements.
Why are student scholarships necessary? Aren’t the classes at Opportunity School free?
The classes were free for much of the School’s history, from its founding in 1916 until 1993. Since 1993, however, it has been necessary to charge tuition. Although tuition is kept as low as possible, scholarships are essential if the School is to keep the doors of opportunity open "for all who wish to learn." Many students simply could not attend without scholarship help.
Is Emily Griffith Opportunity School part of the Denver Public Schools (DPS)?
DPS owns the School’s primary facility at 1250 Welton Street in downtown Denver, performs accounting and other specified services for the school, and funds Emily Griffith High School. Because DPS does not provide any budgetary support for the adult career technical education that is the School’s main focus, thousands of adult students must pay tuition.
What is the difference between the Emily Griffith Foundation and the DPS Foundation?
No support for Emily Griffith Opportunity School comes from the DPS Foundation that focuses on K-12 education in Denver Public Schools. The two foundations have distinct purposes and governance.
What’s the difference between the Emily Griffith Foundation and Griffith Centers for Children?
Although the same determined woman, Emily Griffith, founded both Emily Griffith Opportunity School and the Emily Griffith Home for Boys (the predecessor organization for the Griffith Centers), the two organizations have always been separate, and they serve different purposes and clientele. The School offers opportunities for adults to learn, and the Centers help troubled youth.
Do you have to live in Denver to go to Opportunity School?
No, the School is open to all, and all Colorado residents pay the same tuition.
Who attends Emily Griffith Opportunity School? Are the students mainly high school dropouts?
Approximately 10,000 to11,000 students enroll annually in the School’s 40 certificate programs and 21 apprenticeship programs. Students are as young as 17, as old as 88. They come from various backgrounds, but they share a common purpose: To learn the necessary skills to improve their lives and our community.
Uprooted by political turmoil, refugees new to the United States come to learn English in the School's highly rated English as a Second Language program. Other students come to earn their high school diploma or GED. Determined to improve themselves and their life prospects, many students work to upgrade or gain new skills through more than 40 programs such as aircraft maintenance, automotive, business and technology, cosmetology, HVAC, medical assistant, nursing, real estate appraisal, upholstery and welding.
Who manages the Foundation?
The Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. Marilyn Bowlds, executive director of the Foundation, has served in this position since 1997. The Foundation is a member of the Colorado Nonprofit Association. An outside professional prepares an annual financial audit.
How much of my contribution will reach students and programs? What about administrative costs?
Because the Foundation keeps administrative costs low, you can be sure that your contribution will be put to substantial, direct use. For current figures, call 720.423.4722.
Why should I contribute to the Foundation?
All who succeed have had the opportunity to succeed. Contributing to the Foundation is a meaningful way to share your success by opening the door of opportunity to others. To learn how to tailor your financial support to your interests, email Marilyn Bowlds at marilyn_bowlds@dpsk12.org or call 720-423-4722.
How can I contribute?
If you are an alumnus of Emily Griffith Opportunity School, click here to be added to our alumni data base. We'd love to hear from you!
You may donate online using your credit card by going to www.emilygriffithfoundation.org and clicking the Donate button on the Home Page or the Giving Page. The Foundation uses secure PayPal for online donations. You do not need to open a PayPal account to donate to the Foundation. Just follow the instructions and scroll down to the link that says "Donate without a PayPal account." It's easy!
You also may mail a check to:
Emily Griffith Foundation Inc.
1250 Welton St.
Denver, CO 80204-2197
If you would like to explore other ways to give that would be especially meaningful to you, please contact the Foundation office at 720-423-4722.
