What is S.A.V.E?
S.A.V.E., which stands for Sports, Arts, Volunteerism and Education, was designed to offer unique sports and arts opportunities to under-privileged and at-risk youth of Denver while placing an emphasis on the importance of education and community service. The goal of the S.A.V.E. program was to introduce disadvantaged youth to activities that would otherwise not be available to them or their families.
In 1996 the University of Denver's Department of Recreation, the McCormack Foundation, Founders Assets Management, Inc., and the Colorado Avalanche teamed up to create the S.A.V.E. program. The fund was set up so that for each save made by an Avalanche goalie during every game - $1 was donated to the S.A.V.E. program. The McCormack Foundation matched every dollar donated by the Avalanche, which resulted in approximately $20,000 in scholarship funds.
Ice hockey and roller hockey were the first two sports to be introduced into the S.A.V.E. program, which were offered to kids from the Cope and Owen branches of the Denver Boys and Girls Clubs. In 1998 figure skating and gymnastics were added followed by the addition of swimming, tennis and martial arts in 1999.
Today S.A.V.E. scholarship funds are available through each Denver Recreation youth program, both competitive and recreational.
S.A.V.E. Program Goals
To continue receiving financial support from individuals and companies to ensure that no child due to financial constraints will ever be denied the opportunity to participate in youth sports
Enhancement of the physical and mental development of each and every child through the teaching of athletic skills by highly qualified coaches and staff
Actively coach and teach kids to participate in youth sports at a level where they feel comfortable
Foster a fun and energetic atmosphere to further enhance the participants' overall experience
How to Apply for a SAVE Scholarship
Sports, Arts, Volunteerism, and Education are the founding principals for this program. In order to address these values, all criteria must be met and a committee will review the applicants and proceed with awarding the scholarships.
Application Process:
Applications will be accepted throughout the year.
Applications will be reviewed monthly and applicants will receive notice of what funds have been awarded one month after submitting application.
Applicant must complete all application materials which include financial section, include total income, and provide the last income tax statement filed for legal guardian of program participant.
School record of child must be provided (last report card).
Applications will be reviewed and the decision will be made based on the fiscal resources of the program and the financial need of the applicant.
Scholarships are awarded on a per program per session basis. No scholarships will be awarded for more than a six month period.
Awardees will be required to reapply for each six month award period. Funding request for each program term will be accepted prior to registration deadlines.
All completed applications must be turned in to your respective program director. The program director will then submit the application to the SAVE Committee for review.
Scholarship Benefactors must maintain the following:
C+ average in school. Mid-term report cards and final report card are required to be submitted to program director one week after issued. Any grade below C- will suspend scholarship award until the grade improves. Child, parent and program director will meet to discuss a timeline for when the grades need to be improved. If grade is not improved by the agreed date then this will result in loss of scholarship.
Absences from school will be recorded and any unexcused absence may result in a probationary period.
Each scholarship recipient and their parent(s) is required to volunteer as an aid to his or her program a minimum of twenty (20) hours per sixth month award period.
Attend one cultural event per six month scholarship award.
Participants and their families must portray good sportsmanlike behavior at all times while representing the University of Denver. Failure to use good sportsmanship may result in loss of scholarship.
Donate to S.A.V.E.
If you would like to join in the spirit of S.A.V.E., you, your family, or your company can make an amazing impact in someone's life. Individuals can make financial donations of any size, or help by donating equipment or uniforms.
You'll help make sure more kids will be able to enroll in swim classes, judo lessons, gymnastics programs, summer camps, hockey and figure skating programs and just about anything else their hearts desire.
To make a donation or for more information, please contact Stu Halsall at 303.871.3058. All donations are completely tax-deductible.