Inside: Passport House Party details, the Levels of Intercultural Immersion and our scholarship donation strategy, job opening, and student travel. | |
Exclusive Invitation:
Passport House Party
Sunday, October 19, 4:30 pm
HOW WILDLIFE TRAVEL is an EXCELLENT EDUCATOR
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The DCIS Foundation board is a curious and thoughtful group, always asking new questions about “why we travel.” That spirit inspired us to create the PASSPORT HOUSE PARTY — a special event just for those who share our belief in the power of educational travel. Hosted in a welcoming Denver home, this intimate evening offers time to mingle, enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres, and connect through conversation in a relaxed setting.
The featured speaker for our first PASSPORT HOUSE PARTY is Sheridan Samano. A trailblazer in conservation-driven travel, she is creating life-changing opportunities for people to connect deeply with wildlife, wild places, and one another. She is the co-founder of Reefs to Rockies, a Colorado-based travel company celebrating its 20th anniversary. Sheridan has led immersive journeys across the globe — from the Great Plains to the southern tip of Tierra del Fuego — and recently launched Her Wildlife Expeditions, empowering women through wildlife-focused adventures.
Sheridan has also worked with students and witnessed the transformative growth that comes from stepping outside one’s comfort zone and experiencing life abroad. At the PASSPORT HOUSE PARTY, Sheridan will share powerful stories of how travel shapes lives — her own, and those of students and travelers who discovered new perspectives through nature and exploration.
| | | In Canada with a travel group. | | | |
(includes wine/beverages and hors d’oeuvres):
Individual: $165 (the price of a passport😊)
Couple: $300
Location: Cherry Creek area, Denver home
(exact address will be emailed to ticket holders
before the event)
Date/Time: Sunday, October 19, at 4:30 pm
*Our host is covering ALL costs, so 100% of your fee goes to help us achieve our mission: to advocate for and financially support immersive student educational travel, whether local, national, or international. Tickets are limited to 30.
Your participation fuels our goals to give more students the chance to explore the world. Hey friends, let’s get more students traveling!
| | SCHOLARSHIP DONATION STRATEGY | | |
Often, donors are interested in learning how we evaluate scholarship applications from schools. Our chart below, entitled: Levels of INTERCULTURAL IMMERSION, guides schools, teachers, administrators, parents, students, and our mission — making our process transparent, clear, and fair.
Group Travel Scholarship applications:
open from Oct. 1 — Oct. 31, 2025 (once a year)
Individual Travel Scholarship applications (for students traveling alone):
open from Mar. 1 — Mar. 31, 2026 (once a year)
CLICK HERE for MORE DETAILS
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JOB OPENING Marketing Contractor (pathway to Executive Director|CEO)
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The Denver Center for Intercultural Scholars (DCIS) Foundation is a small but dedicated nonprofit with a big mission: to advocate for and financially support immersive student travel opportunities for Denver Public Schools middle and high school students.
We’re now seeking a creative, self-motivated marketing professional to help us amplify our visibility, strengthen our community of supporters, and expand our impact. This role begins as a short-term marketing contract and—if successful—can transition into the salaried Executive Director | CEO position starting September 1, 2026
CLICK HERE for JOB DESCRIPTION, REQUIREMENTS, and DEADLINES
| | This group of Morey Middle Schoolers embarked on an enriching service trip to Guatemala in June, a journey made possible through the generosity of our donors. Their willingness to support educational initiatives has not only opened doors for these students but has also fostered a deep sense of community and shared purpose. As they explored the rich culture and history of Guatemala, DPS students participated in a hands-on service project that enabled them to extend their learning far beyond the classroom walls. Thanks donors. | |
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The DCIS Foundation's mission is to advocate for and financially support immersive student educational travel, whether local, national, or international.
CLICK HERE to learn more about us.
CLICK HERE to read a few previous e-newsletters.
CLICK HERE to view our past events and photos.
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The Platinum Transparency Award, presented by Candid, is the highest level a nonprofit can achieve, recognizing the most comprehensive philanthropic review process for nonprofits.
We earned it in 2025, and we are more dedicated than ever.
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Board of Directors:
Dave Smith, President
Stacy Yauk, VP/Secretary
Robert Bresnahan, Treasurer
Matt Harrison, Past President
Brandon Bohn
Brady Efting
Shea Kauffman
Joy Miller Oliver
Dana Novara
Erin Sorce
Julia Spratt
Matt Weimer
Council of Advisors:
Sally Bishop
Christine Ekman
Claudia Morlan
Alumni Leadership Council:
Piper Backburn
Isabella Berggren
Alba-Leea Campos-Castro
Eduardo Chavez
Mackenzie Christman
Ca’la Connors
Eliza Cummings
Emily Frazer-Abel
Malia Josephine
Davina James
Rebecca Lipman
Justice Miles
Brooke Porter
Freya Quist
Balfe Reynoso
Jack Virnich
Sam Wands
Ex-Officio Board (Active):
Dan Lutz, Ph.D., Founder, and Sr. Advisor
Melanie Grant, Founder, and Sr. Advisor
Cara Goman, Past Board President/Advisor
In Memory & Honor - Board Member:
Dennis Gallagher
Executive Director | CEO:
Theresa Meier Conley, Ph.D.
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