9-R Senior Scholarship App NOW OPEN! Due Feb 17, 2025 | 9-R Classroom Grant App opens Monday, December 16th! Due March 10, 2025
Mission
The Durango Education Foundation (D.E.F.) is a community organization of dedicated volunteers and paid staff, who together cultivate life-changing academic learning opportunities for Pre-K through Grade 12 students in Durango School District 9-R, and provide resources that positively impact the educational experience of the 9-R community.
History
Founded in 1984 as a single scholarship fund*, The Durango Education Foundation (D.E.F.) has developed through wise stewardship into a valued resource for Durango School District 9-R. Pre-K through grade 12 teachers, as well as school staff and administrators, receive D.E.F. encouragement and support for programs, materials, and technology needs outside the capacity of the regular district budget. Please visit our What We Do page for a more in-depth look at what D.E.F. does in our community.
WE WORK TIRELESSLY TO HELP 9-R STUDENTS TO THRIVE YEAR AFTER YEAR.
The Foundation's paramount intention is to encourage innovation, achievement, and excellence in all academic areas and levels of District 9-R education. Scholarships remain an important element in the Foundation's work as well. D.E.F. administers 7-10 scholarships per year, awarded to graduating seniors from any of the Durango 9R high school programs.
We all agree that good schools, adequately funded, attract people, businesses and investments to the community, enhancing the economic well-being of everyone.
THE FOUNDATION IS A VALUED PARTNER OF DURANGO SCHOOL DISTRICT 9-R BUT IS A WHOLLY INDEPENDENT 501(C)3 CHARITABLE NON-PROFIT.
* The Foundation was initially known as the Durango Foundation for Educational Excellence. The name was changed in October 2013 to more accurately express the Foundation's mission to serve all academic areas of Durango School District 9-R. The IRS confirmation letter is available on our governance page.