PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES
We prioritize programs that benefit students
By overcoming obstacles by addressing key barriers, increasing postsecondary readiness among our students and closing opportunity gaps.
Through our work, we hope to increase awareness of what’s possible for our students, rally community engagement and create lasting changes for the students and families of Aurora.

COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS
We help students prepare for their future!
17,000 students supported since 2014, $139 million obtained in scholarships since 2014, 859 students helped monthly.
What can you expect at a College and Career Center…
- Military Enlistment – We host military recruitment events throughout the year, as well as host ASVAB testing events.
- Career Exploration – We host career fairs, career panels on various industries and resume workshops.
- College Preparation – We host college recruitment events, financial aid workshops and help you understand your college acceptance offers.
EDUCATOR EMPORIUM
The Educator Emporium opened in 2021 to provide FREE school supplies to all APS educators.
The Aurora Public Schools Foundation runs the Educator Emporium in partnership with the APS Professional Learning Department, District Credit Union, and Walmart.
Since the Emporium’s opening, over 200 educators from 50 schools have been able to gather supplies for their classrooms and students!

STEM EFFORTS
Aurora Science and Tech (AST) is a newly launched STEM middle and high school in APS
The school is located on the Fitzsimons Innovation Campus, adjacent to the Anschutz Medical Campus. The school has developed strong partnerships with the hospitals and school campus. The high school will feature a dedicated center for college and career exploration and advising, four STEM labs, and twenty classrooms for the 600 9-12 grade students. The middle school will also feature STEM labs and fifteen classrooms.
COVID EFFORTS
$1.5 million raised, 7 million meals served, 350 face shields provided for educators and staff, 130 connectivity devices distributed
Beginning March 17, 2020, Aurora Public Schools Nutrition Services and Aurora Public Schools Foundation mobilized together to support our community’s needs through the distribution of meals. Over 7 million meals have been served to our students and community members. While federal dollars cover meals for those under 18, we have been able to raise funds to provide meals for adults in our community. This program will continue through summer 2021.

DONOR DIRECTED GIFTS
APS Foundation can help steward contributions to support APS students and fulfill donor intent
For donors wishing to identify specific schools, classrooms or programs, the APS Foundation can help steward contributions to support APS students and fulfill donor intent. Further, we can also help determine where the greatest needs are in our schools. Last year, we facilitated more than $1.6 million in donor-directed gifts.
The Aurora Public Schools Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations made to the APS Foundation are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Please consult with your tax advisor about the tax deductibility of your gift.