Projects
Schools – Academy of Urban Learning
The Jared Polis Foundation’s ongoing collaboration with Urban Peak successfully opened the first Colorado high school for students who are experiencing the challenges of homelessness or unstable living situations. The Academy of Urban Learning opened its doors in August 2005 as a Denver Public School Charter High School.
The Academy of Urban Learning (AUL) presents an individualized academic program that allows students to progress on the basis of competency and not seat time, providing a meaningful alternative to the traditional school system.
AUL focuses on the following goals: Students will earn a high school diploma; they will transition into post-secondary education with the guidance of the AUL program and faculty; and, all students will receive intensive and comprehensive services from the professionals at Urban Peak while enrolled at AUL. AUL seeks to expand to 130 students within four years.
Learn more about Academy of Urban Learning.
Schools – New America School
The New America School seeks to extend the benefits of English literacy and a high school liberal arts education to immigrant young adults and families in Colorado. The educational needs of linguistically diverse youth (ages 16-21) in Colorado often are not met by mainstream public schools.
To address this tremendous issue of educational equity, The New America School opened its doors on the campus of the Community College of Aurora in the East Denver neighborhood of Lowry and in Adams County School District 14 in Commerce City/Thornton in the fall of 2004. We are seeking to open our third campus in the fall of 2006 within the Jefferson County School District. The Jared Polis Foundation has been a unique partner and substantial donor throughout the start-up, implementation and continued development stages of the New America School initiative.
Learn more about New America Schools.
Philanthropic
The Jared Polis Foundation was established in 2000 to support educators and students, involve parents and families, and strengthen Colorado’s schools and communities. Located in Boulder, we are funded primarily by Jared Polis and focus our resources on giving low-income students and families access to technology through the Community Computer Connection program, contributing to public discussion of important educational issues and innovations through the Jared Polis Education Report, acknowledging and recognizing the outstanding contributions and dedication of educators through our Teacher Recognition Awards, and creating new opportunities for underserved and out-of-school students to receive a high-quality education through the start-up of the New America Schools and the Academy of Urban Learning.