The Red Apple Scholarship Fund makes it possible for all individuals -- no matter their economic circumstances -- to discover the wonders of animals through participation in Denver Zoo education programs.
The fund provides access to conservation education for Colorado and Wyoming schools, individuals, groups and families and assures that Colorado’s residents of all ages, from preschool through senior citizens, are able to enjoy and learn more about the living world and the conservation of animals and the environment through Denver Zoo’s extensive education programs.
The first scholarships were awarded in 2001, since then 251,958 students and 22,059 adults have benefited from scholarships valued at $1,190,164.02. In 2011, 43,107 low-income children and 1,797 adults received scholarships valued at $178,187.07.
Youth Education Programs -- Hosted at Denver Zoo including classes, assemblies, workshops, guided tours, camps, career programs, home school programs and Bunk with the Beasts overnight programs
Adult Education Programs -- Including guided tours and teacher professional development workshops
Outreach Education Programs –Held off Zoo grounds including classes, assemblies, after-school programs, community booths with animals and service-learning projects. Outreach programs take place at schools and other community venues, including senior centers, nursing homes, libraries and festivals.
Self-Guided Field Trips For School Groups
Transportation Fees -- To Denver Zoo or your location (if outside of SCFD counties), to partake in education programs.
Who qualifies for Red Apple Scholarship Funds?
Public Schools -- Whose federal free and reduced lunch ratio published by the Colorado Department of Education is at or above 30 percent
Private and Independent Schools -- Whose percentage of students on scholarship is at or above 30 percent
Individuals or Families -- Who submit a statement of financial need
Community Organizations -- That submit a statement of financial need
Schools who do not meet the listed qualifications are invited to submit a letter from the principal or administrator stating financial need.
Denver Zoo requires some amount of payment by the participant(s). The Zoo does not fund entire program amounts.
How to apply
Download the appropriate application form below or visit the School and Outreach Programs registration website. Applications are two pages in length, and a letter stating the need for financial assistance is required. Once an application is submitted to the Zoo, notification of scholarship award is made within two weeks of receipt.
School and Outreach Programs (i.e. classes, assemblies, workshops; Scholarships for at-the-zoo programs are available August-May; Scholarships for Outreach programs are available year-round)
The scholarship fund provides opportunities for all residents to experience the joy of learning more about our world by interacting with Denver Zoo animals and our dedicated and experienced staff and volunteers.
Families benefit by sharing learning experiences and spending time together in a dynamic environment. One single mom who received a scholarship for her family reported she and her children, including a struggling teen, enjoyed the chance to talk with one another as they walked through the Zoo. “The Zoo is not just entertainment -- for our family, it is health-sustaining on many levels.”
Long-term, the community at-large benefits when young people become excited about education and work hard to achieve successful futures as well as when senior citizens continue to be active and inquisitive. And, we all benefit from environmental education which inspires conservation awareness.
Support Denver Zoo’s Red Apple Scholarship Fund
The number of scholarships awarded each year is dependent upon available funds. Individuals, foundations and corporations are all vital to the success of Denver Zoo’s Red Apple Scholarship Fund and its important mission of providing conservation education to all individuals, no matter their economic circumstances.
Individuals interested in supporting the Red Apple Fund may make contributions to the fund, in any amount. Individuals may also support the Red Apple Scholarship Fund by attending Denver Zoo’s annual Ice Cream Social or Brew At The Zoo events. Find more information on these and other Denver Zoo events here.
Corporations that wish to support the Red Apple Fund may contact Roxanne Davis at 720-337-1464 or rdavis@denverzoo.org; foundations may contact Ruth Gaulke at 720-337-1467 or rgaulke@denverzoo.org.
Thank you to our Red Apple Fund sponsors and contributors:
Denver Zoo’s Scholarship Fund
