Thanks to volunteers from Ashford University, an institution that is redefining the modern college experience, a number of students in the Denver area will get a big surprise when they return from summer vacation. About 60 Ashford employees and their families spent most of Saturday, June 2, beautifying South High and Grant Beacon Middle schools. They completed various tasks and projects geared toward a revitalization effort set forth by the Denver Public Schools Foundation.

“We had so much fun cleaning up these schools over the weekend. Not only did it feel great to make a difference in the lives of these students, but it was a fantastic team building opportunity for our University,” said Mitch Thomas, vice president of the Denver Online Center. “This was the perfect opportunity for Ashford to give back to the Denver community while covering two of our social responsibility focus areas: education and youth.”

Working with Denver Public Schools Foundation, Ashford University volunteers completed

landscaping projects at South High School’s Louisiana Avenue location and at Grant Beacon Middle School’s South Washington Street location. Volunteers participated in several activities that included pulling weeds, landscaping, repainting some external walls, classroom work, and adding a weight room.

In partnership with Denver Public Schools, the mission of the Denver Public Schools Foundation is to raise and manage funds, make strategic program investments, and serve as community leaders so that all students have the opportunity to succeed. In addition to providing volunteer manpower, Ashford University also donated funds to the foundation to purchase floor mats for the Grant Beacon Middle School weight room. 

About Ashford University

Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. Ashford University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor’s degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.