For 20 years, KOOL 105 has been your home for Mile High Hits.  You've let us in to your home and your hearts. You've also supported KOOL and many charitable causes, helping people all over Denver, and for that we thank you!  But our work isn't done yet.  This web page is a chance for us to increase public awareness of some of our favorite causes and charities around the metro area.  So if you have a few extra hours or a few extra dollars and are looking to donate to a reputable charity, you can count on KOOL's Cause of the Month to keep you up to date. Thanks for caring, Denver!

Arrupe Jesuit High School

Arrupe Jesuit High School, founded in 2003, is a co-educational, Catholic, college preparatory school that serves economically disadvantaged students from Denver’s  inner-city neighborhoods. Arrupe offers hope for a brighter future for some of Denver’s neediest youth.  Students of Arrupe Jesuit High School offset a substantial portion of their tuition costs by participating in a work-study program with local businesses.  Participation in the program motivates students academically and in the direction towards a college education.  In addition, students grow in self-confidence, become more responsible, and develop excellent human relation and teamwork skills.  Arrupe’s goal is to empower graduates who will continue their education and return as leaders to their communities.

Arrupe Jesuit High School was founded in response to a critical community need.  In 2002, only 22% of Colorado’s low-income students went on to college, ranking the state 35th in the nation; only 11% of 18- to 24-year-old Latinos were enrolled in college at the time.  In addition, fewer than half of Colorado’s African-American, Latino, and American Indian students currently graduate from high school, compared to 75% of white students. Arrupe makes a college preparatory education an attainable goal for a diverse group of students who would otherwise never have access to that opportunity:

• Arrupe serves an ethnically diverse group of approximately 280 adolescent boys and girls.  Eighty-two percent of our student body is Latino, 5% is African-American, 7% is Caucasian, and 6% is Native American, Multiracial, or Asian.
• Nearly 70% of Arrupe students qualify for the federal free/reduced lunch program.
• Arrupe charges the lowest tuition of any private high school in Denver and is the only school able to fund 100% of families’ assessed financial need.

The most distinguishing feature of Arrupe's education model is the Corporate Work-Study Program.  In addition to taking a full class load, Arrupe students work five days per month in entry-level jobs at corporations throughout Denver.  Not only do they develop real-world experience, but the income they earn in these jobs pays for 75% of their private education.  This year, students will work at 78 companies across the city and earn almost $1.2 million collectively.

In June 2007, Arrupe sent its first graduating class off to college.  One-hundred percent of Arrupe's graduating seniors were accepted to an institution of higher education, nearly 90% of whom will be the first in their family to attend college.  

How You Can Help

• Joining the Partners Program – Through Arrupe's Partners Program, donors can “sponsor a student” and pay the difference between what the families pay, what the students earn at their jobs, and what it actually costs to go to Arrupe for a year.  
• Participating in the Corporate Work-Study Program – As Arrupe's student population continues to grow, the school is constantly looking for new corporate partners to hire its students in entry-level positions. Please contact Dan O’Brien at 303-455-7449 (x235) or dobrien@arrupejesuit.com for more information.
• Volunteering at a Special Event – There are many ways to help with these events, including serving on the planning committee, securing sponsors and live auction items, and donating design and printing services.  Please contact Helen Salazar-Martin at 303-455-7449 (x232) or hsmartin@arrupejesuit.com for more information.

To learn more about Arrupe Jesuit High School, please call 303-455-7449 or visit the school online at www.arrupejesuit.com.

In the Fund's articles of incorporation, Bill directed the foundation to concentrate its efforts in two primary areas: College Scholarships and Community Support, including programs designed to help the homeless, physically handicapped and elderly individuals, as well as those suffering from substance abuse and mental handicaps.

For more information on the programs available through the Daniels Fund, just click here!