AMAZING COSTA RICA

A life-changing trip for Ellena from East High School

Ellena, a recipient of the DCIS Foundation Individual Intercultural Scholarship Award, stands with pride in front of the sparkling night lights of San José, Costa Rica, in June.

She said of her trip, "One of my favorite parts of the trip was being able to practice speaking Spanish in real-life situations. From ordering food to having small conversations with locals. I felt my confidence grow throughout the trip. I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would be."

Now that is what we love to hear, right? The DCIS Foundation continues to grow its impact across the Denver Public School District. Thanks donors for helping make this happen.

COLORFUL GUATEMALA

A meaningful service trip for DPS students at Morey Middle School

Shout out to Morey Middle School Principal Courtney Wickam and Educator Max Schwartz for taking their inquisitive middle schoolers to Guatemala last month. Read these student reflections* from their trip.

Caden, Grade 8

"The service project—painting a mural on a family’s home—was the most meaningful part of the trip. Working with local artist Juan Diego and including traditional Guatemalan designs made me feel proud and connected."

Rylan, Grade 7

"The Guatemala trip was life-changing. I learned so much about local life and work. My favorite part was the hands-on weaving tour. The other students were amazing, and the trip made me even more excited to start 7th grade at Morey."

Aria, Departing 8th Grader

"From the people and food to exploring new places, I loved every part of the trip. I discovered things I now love about Guatemala and can’t wait to share them back home." (slightly edited for brevity, we do not publish student last names)

Thanks donors for helping make this happen.

A finished mural was their service learning project. Everyone involved was proud! Well done!

OUR NEXT EVENT

Sunday, October 19, 2025 @ 4:30 PM

Back from NYC

An impactful cultural immersion trip for DCIS Baker students.

With the help of DCIS Foundation, this group of DCIS Baker students went to NYC last month. Some highlights: A Broadway play, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MOMA, Lincoln Center, Central Park, the Metropolitan Opera House, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, National Museum of the American Indian, Wall Street, New York Stock Exchange, 9/11 Memorial, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown, and Little Italy. Wow, just wow! Thanks donors for helping make this happen.

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.

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.