SCHOOL FUNDING
“The dream of opening opportunities to students who might not otherwise travel is part of the DCIS magic. We never fully appreciate the impact it has on their lives and how it can reform education.”
OVERVIEW: Twice a year (fall and winter-specific dates are shown below) we open up our online portal for school funding applications. Students are involved in different levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) to help build curiosity, independence, and confidence and complement their in-school learning goals. We strive for racial equality, fairness, and transparency in our funding decisions.
PROCESS: For grades K-12, teachers work with their students (a group of individuals) and the school travel coordinator/administrator to plan trips. A strategy and budget are developed and they apply for funding from the DCIS Foundation when the online portals are open. The board of directors reviews applications and interviews are conducted for middle and high school students. The DCIS Foundation gives added weight to educational trips that are intentional about intercultural immersion - like service learning activities, world language practice, and exchanges that include attending classes, peer activities, and living with a host family.
IMPORTANT NOTES: 1) We do not fund solo student trips that do not involve a DCIS Educator/Chaperone or a certified student travel company. 2) Due to the costs and nature of travel, the DCIS Foundation can never fully cover all travel costs. Students and Educators should always look for additional sources of funding (e.g. travel companies, Rotary, and private donations. CLICK HERE for additional resources). 3) Funding is only available for DCIS students and summer travel by students who have already graduated can not be funded. 4) The DCIS Foundation is not involved in the DCIS curriculum or trip logistics. We are a fundraising organization. It is the responsibility of the school to manage and distribute the funds. 5) The DCIS Foundation can only give as much money away as they can raise in their fundraising efforts. This varies from year to year and also depends on the amount of applications received.
This groups of DCIS Fairmont students are enjoying the Denver Aquarium as part of their Elementary Trip Grant.
Elementary School Funding (Grades K-5)
Teachers apply for funding ranging from $300+/group. These trips are rare for our students and can include visits to local museums, programs, nature parks/exhibits, themed overnights, and special events. All programs have an educational aspect and tie to the global curriculum or a class project. Examples are overnights at the Museum or trips to a nature center.
Travel Level: BEGINNER. These young students get-their-feet-wet being away from school and home, learning about new people and places, and gaining basic independence.
Fall 2023 Application Portal Opens: (CLOSED, Awards given in late Jan - early Feb)
Spring 2024 Application Portal Opens: March 18 - April 10, 2024 (OPEN, Awards given in late May)
Group Travel Scholarships (Grades 6-12). These students are enjoying their time together visiting Canyonlands National Park in Utah.
Group Travel Funding (Grades 6-12)
Teachers (Educators) collaborate with their students to develop group journeys that connect with specific curriculum goals. Typically these multi-grade trips range from $1000+/student. Programs often include multiple days, out-of-state or country experiences, language, and/or specific curriculum connections, and service learning. Examples are Canyonlands, UT, Guatemala, China, Japan, and the legendary DCIS Italian Exchange Program. Group applications should be coordinated with the DCIS Foundation before submission to confirm details, process, and timing. The lead teacher is responsible for leading this effort and ensuring the applications are in on time and parents are aware of the process. NOTE: We do not fund solo student trips that do not involve a DCIS Educator and a certified student travel company. Due to the costs and nature of travel, the DCIS Foundation can never fully cover all travel costs. Students should always look for additional sources of funding (e.g. travel companies and Rotary) and include personal fundraising efforts as part of their overall plan if that is feasible.
Travel Level: INTERMEDIATE. These middle school and high school students start to get out of their comfort zone with these educational travel experiences. These excursions tie directly to their multicultural curriculum and learning goals.
How Should a DCIS Group Prepare? 1) Work with your lead teacher to understand ALL the costs and details of your trip; 2) Have a good grasp on your fundraising strategy and numbers; 3) Start reflecting and writing notes about your personal story, trip goals, language skill opportunities, and the impact this trip can have for you. This will prepare you for your one-page essay requirement and interview, and 4) Make sure to include your parents or guardians in all of your plans.
Fall 2023 Application Portal Opens: Oct 23 - Nov 6, 2023 (CLOSED, Awards given in late Jan - early Feb)
Spring 2024 Application Portal Opens: March 18 - April 10, 2024 (CLOSED, Extension given, Awards given in mid to late May)
Educators: If your trip is not listed below, please contact dcisfoundation@gmail to coordinate with the foundation on your group trip details and get a unique button created for your trip.
Individual Travel Funding (Grades 9-12) brings cultures, languages, and people together. A can be a life-changing experience for high school students.
Individual Travel Funding (Grades 9-12)
Students work independently with their language teacher, school travel director, and/or travel vendors to create a travel plan, budget, and personal fundraising goal. Some of these trips are with a peer group, some are alone. These trips usually range from $600+/student. GPA standards, student fundraising contributions, letters of recommendation, language skills, service learning plans, and personal essays are used in the rigorous assessment process. Examples include homestay exchanges in Italy and China and language-learning trips to Spain and Peru. Students looking for programs can refer to our RESOURCES & INSIGHT page for ideas. NOTE: We do not fund solo student trips that do not involve a DCIS Educator and a certified student travel company. Due to the costs and nature of travel, the DCIS Foundation can never fully cover all travel costs. Students should always look for additional sources of funding (e.g. travel companies and Rotary) and include personal fundraising efforts as part of their overall plan if that is feasible.
Travel Level: ADVANCED. High school students are encouraged to stretch themselves to plan travel that includes cultural exchanges, language proficiency, service learning, and homestays.
How Should a Student Prepare? 1) Request a copy of your transcript; 2) Understand ALL the costs and details of your trip; 3) Ask two professionals (one teacher is OK) to fill out the Recommendation Form; and 4) Start reflecting and writing notes about your personal story, trip goals, language skill opportunities, and the impact this trip can have for you. This will prepare you for your one-page essay requirement and interview, and 5) Make sure to include your parents or guardians in all of your plans.
Fall 2023 Application Portal Opens: Oct 23 - Nov 6, 2023 (CLOSED, Awards given in late Jan - early Feb)
Spring 2024 Application Portal Opens: March 18 - April 10, 2024 (OPEN, Awards given in late May)
“This trip changed my life. I hadn’t been away from my family before but studied Italian at DCIS for six years. I did a homestay, practiced my Italian, and actually lived in a place I had learned so much about in my classes. DCIS is so different from other schools. None of my friends are taking a language or traveling to see new things.”
West High School yearbook
MR. EUGENE LEVIN was a graduate of West High School, class of 1944 - for those that knew him, he was wise, soft-spoken, and had a great, subtle sense of humor. Eugene led a remarkable life with his wife Barbara. He was the editor of the high school newspaper and was in the Latin Club. During college, he was a journalist for the University of Colorado newspaper and The Denver Post. Upon entering the military, he wrote for Stars and Stripes and eventually, he became bureau chief and news editor for the Associated Press in Rome, London, Tokyo, and New Delhi. He left the military and came back to Denver to manage his father’s business. He was a lifelong philanthropist and education enthusiast and raised money for many organizations including the Denver Symphony and the Denver Art Museum. Mr. Levin helped establish the Asian Art Association and donated early to help fund student travel at West High School (where DCIS was founded), serving faithfully on the School Funding Committee. Just before his death, the DCIS Foundation and DCIS community established an endowment fund in his honor so more students could travel (regardless of their background) - and to encourage long-term study abroad, homestays, and authentic cultural immersion. Gracias Señor Levin!
DCIS FOUNDATION | PO BOX 9044 | DENVER CO 80209
Copyright © 2024 | All Rights Reserved
Powered with ❤️ and the DCIS Foundation Board of Directors & Staff