New Partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver and DSST Public Schools

For Immediate Release

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver Media Contact: Lauren Kamm, laurenk@bgcmd.org 

DSST Public Schools Media Contact: Daniela Di Napoli, daniela.dinapoli@scienceandtech.org 

March 22, 2023

Innovative new after-school programming creates new accessible opportunities for Denver middle school students 

Denver, CO (March 22, 2023) – On January 27, 2023, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver and DSST Public Schools entered into an agreement allowing Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver to provide after-school programming at DSST: Elevate Northeast Middle School.  

Beginning in school year 2023-2024, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver will operate a Micro Club at DSST: Elevate Northeast Middle School, providing after-school programming to students in grades 6-8 from Monday through Thursday. This programming will mirror that provided at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver’s 20 other locations and focus on academics, character and leadership, healthy lifestyles, and mental health.  

“We are proud to team up with DSST’s premier network of schools,” Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver’s CEO, Erin Porteous, said. “This partnership allows us to serve middle school students and supports our goal of expanding the abundant opportunities, resources, and experiences Boys & Girls Clubs offer to more Metro Denver kids.” 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is honored to partner with DSST’s high-quality network of charter schools in this innovative new way. This partnership is mutually supportive in providing DSST: Elevate Northeast Middle School with a needed service for their students, while strongly aligning with Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver’s strategic priority of serving more kids. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is appreciative of the opportunity to expand services to more middle school students. Teams at both organizations expect the partnership to provide holistic, enriching support to middle school students at DSST: Elevate Northeast Middle School.  

“We are so excited to partner with Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver to offer additional after school enrichment opportunities for our students,” DSST: Elevate Northeast Middle School Director Briana Mesa said. “The enrichment that is offered is directly aligned with our mission and will support students in their journey to high school and college.” 

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver changes lives. From the first day of kindergarten through high school graduation, we help kids succeed in school, develop good character and citizenship, and live healthy lives. At more than 20 neighborhood Clubs and our summer camp in Ward, CO, we provide our members with safe, supportive, fun, and enriching environments that inspire and empower them to achieve their greatest potential. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is a community-based organization where kids find a safe place during the critical out-of-school time to become inspired, build relationships, and learn how big a part they play in their community and their future 

About DSST Public Schools 

DSST Public Schools (DSST) operates a network of STEM-focused middle and high schools in Denver and Aurora, Colorado. DSST serves over 7,000 students at 16 schools across eight campuses on behalf of Denver Public Schools and Aurora Public Schools. All DSST students enroll via an open lottery--there are no other admissions criteria. DSST believes students are best served by integrated public schools that reflect the diversity of their community--over 70% of DSST students are students of color and more than 70% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. In 2018, DSST was awarded the Broad Prize and recognized as the top charter school network in the country. Since 2004, 100% of DSST graduates have been accepted to college or a post-secondary program.