We have a crisis. In 2011, less than half (46%) of Hispanic teens living in metro Denver did not graduate high school on time. Hispanics under age 18 are the fastest growing segment of the population in Colorado. If the segment of our population that is growing the most rapidly is also lagging the farthest behind in the classroom, then what does that mean for the future of our workforce and economy?

Denver Public Schools is aware that a persistent achievement gap exists among African-American and Latino students and that the economic implications are great. Each DPS student who fails to graduate high school costs the state more than $524,000 over his/her lifetime.

There is a lot of work being done by DPS and other organizations to close the achievement gap. One such initiative is the Latino Education Summit, which is being hosted at Montbello High School on October 27. Below, ID ’07 alum Jesse Ogas tells us about his work spearheading this inaugural event.

Jesse is a great example of an Impact Denver alumnus making an impact in the community. Do you know someone who is interested in making a difference? We are now accepting applications for Impact Denver’s class of 2013, and the deadline to apply is Monday. We look forward to welcoming another great class!

Sincerely,
Tameka Montgomery

Inspired by Jesse’s story? Check out three organizations making a difference in health care, safety and education.
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Clínica Tepeyac  provides high quality medical care to those in the community who have nowhere else to go for their health care needs. 
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Jesse Ogas (ID '08)

Closing the Achievement Gap
Jesse Ogas makes a difference in the lives of Latino students

“My passion is for all people and communities, but it really centers on the issues of social justice, education, health care and safety,” says Jesse Ogas of his commitment to improving quality of life in Colorado. All four of these issues will take center stage during the upcoming Latino Education Summit on October 27 at Montbello High School. As director of community Relations for Denver Public Schools, Ogas has been instrumental in launching this inaugural event, which is set to attract up to 800 students and family members living in Northeast Denver.

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