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!

20,575 students supported since 2014, with $190 million obtained in scholarships since 2014.

What can you expect at a College and Career Center… 

  • Military Enlistment – We host military recruitment events throughout the year, as well as visits to Buckley SFB.
  • Career Exploration – Students can participate in career fairs, various industry panels, resume workshops, and other work-based learning opportunities.
  • College Preparation – We host college recruitment events, college tours, and workshops to help students understand financial aid options and the college application process.
VISIT OUR COLLEGE & CAREER SITE
PURCHASE SCHOOL SUPPLIES OR HOLD A SUPPLY DRIVE FOR THE EDUCATOR EMPORIUM

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 1,000 educators from all 63 schools have been able to gather supplies for their classrooms and students!

STEM EFFORTS

The APS Foundation has provided a variety of STEM learning opportunities for students.

Including:

  • Funding for student robotics teams, like the Vista PEAK Prep Bison Bots, to provide brand new robotics equipment + volunteers from the engineering industry.
  • Resources for 135 sixth and seventh grade students at East Middle School and Murphy Creek K-8 to learn how to build and ride their own skateboard, which they got to take home (along with a helmet) at the end of the school day!
  • Support to launch the new STEM middle and high school in APS, Aurora Science and Tech (AST).
  • The opportunity for 100s of of Harmony Ridge, Mosley P-8, Murphy Creek, and Aurora Quest K-8 fifth graders to participate in a Mission to Mars project at Buckley Space Force Base. And for 30 William Smith High School students to go on to the base to learn about the Office of Special Investigations (i.e. Forensic Science).
  • Funding for CareerTrek, a two-day event where 2,600 eighth-grade students from across APS gather to map out their high school careers to prepare for college and career success. As part of CareerTrek, career representatives from various STEM fields put together a variety of hands-on activities to support students’ understanding of careers in the field.

YOUNG AMERITOWNE

Aurora Public Schools Foundation partners with Schomp Subaru to offer financial literacy experience to all APS fifth-graders

Schomp Subaru has made it possible for 5th-grade students, from all APS Elementary schools, to participate in the Young AmeriTowne program this year. Young AmeriTowne offers a unique financial literacy experience, showcasing a realistic town with 16 businesses and a town hall. During Young AmeriTowne, students immerse themselves in a full-day career experience. They gain valuable insights into managing personal finances and actively participating in a free enterprise economy. This hands-on approach enables students to see the direct impact that their actions and decisions have on themselves, their businesses and their overall community!

CHECK OUT DALTON ELEMENTARY'S YOUNG AMERITOWNE EXPERIENCE HERE
MAKE A CONTRIBUTION

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.

Examples of programs supported through Donor Directed Gifts include: 

  • The Curious Learners program at Clara Brown Entrepreneurial Academy;
  • The Aurora Partner for Thriving Youth program to reduce youth substance misuse;
  • And the music program at Vista PEAK Preparatory.

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.