About Denver education attainment network
Denver Education Attainment Network: Bridging the Educational Gap for Denver Students
Education is a fundamental right that every individual should have access to. However, not everyone has equal opportunities to pursue education, and this is where Denver Education Attainment Network (DEAN) comes in. DEAN is a collective impact initiative that aims to increase educational attainment and close the attainment gap for Denver students.
DEAN was established in 2011 as a response to the growing concern about the low educational attainment rates of Denver students. The organization recognized that there were significant disparities in educational outcomes among different groups of students, particularly those from low-income families and communities of color.
To address these issues, DEAN brings together various stakeholders from across sectors such as education, business, government, and community organizations. By working collaboratively towards a common goal, DEAN aims to create systemic change that will improve educational outcomes for all students.
One of DEAN's primary objectives is to increase high school graduation rates in Denver. According to data from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), only 67% of DPS (Denver Public Schools) students graduated on time in 2019-2020 academic year. This rate was lower than both state average graduation rate (81%) and national average graduation rate (85%). To achieve this objective, DEAN focuses on several key strategies:
1) Early Childhood Education: Research shows that early childhood education can have long-term benefits for children's academic success. Therefore DEAN works with partners such as Mile High United Way's Early Learning Center program which provides quality early childhood education programs for children aged birth through five years old.
2) College Access & Success: Many DPS graduates face barriers when it comes to accessing higher education or completing their degrees once they enroll. To address this issue, DEAN works with partners like College Track which provides comprehensive college access services including tutoring support; financial aid assistance; college application guidance; and more.
3) Career Pathways: DEAN also focuses on creating career pathways for students that align with the needs of Denver's workforce. This includes partnering with businesses and industry leaders to provide internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities for students.
DEAN's efforts have already shown promising results. In 2019-2020 academic year, DPS graduation rates increased by 2% compared to the previous year. Additionally, DEAN has helped increase FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) completion rates among DPS seniors from 45% in 2011 to over 70% in recent years.
DEAN's impact goes beyond just improving educational outcomes for individual students; it also benefits the broader Denver community. According to a report by Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, increasing educational attainment levels can lead to higher earnings potential and economic growth for cities like Denver.
In conclusion, DEAN is an essential organization that is making a significant impact on education in Denver. By bringing together various stakeholders and implementing evidence-based strategies, DEAN is working towards closing the attainment gap and ensuring that all students have access to quality education opportunities. If you want to learn more about how you can support DEAN's mission or get involved with their work, visit their website today!