The LPS Foundation is thrilled to announce $390,000 in grants to fund two crucial initiatives aimed at enriching student experiences and enhancing educational opportunities in Littleton Public Schools.
$65,000 Grant from the City of Littleton Supports Summer Programming
The City of Littleton has awarded the Foundation a $65,000 grant to support summer school and summer camp programs at the EPIC campus in 2025. Historically, LPS has offered comprehensive summer programming to students who are behind grade level or at risk of not graduating. These programs, traditionally held in June in a half-day format, have provided invaluable academic support. However, due to a lack of sustainable funding, these programs were at risk of being discontinued—until the City of Littleton stepped in to fill the gap.
Research shows that students who don’t engage in mental activities over the summer can lose up to a third of what they’ve learned during the school year, making summer programming essential to combating learning loss. Beyond academics, summer school offers students a chance to build friendships and strengthen social bonds, creating a sense of community.
Now entering its second year, the EPIC summer camp program offers students the opportunity to explore new interests and develop skills in areas like recreation, nature-based play, art, music, science, technology, and robotics. This grant will help continue to inspire and engage students, offering them a summer of learning, exploration, and fun—while fostering a sense of hope and optimism for the future.
$325,000 Anonymous Grant for New Central Production Kitchen
In addition to the summer programming grant, the LPS Foundation has received a generous $325,000 anonymous donation to help fund a new central production kitchen at the former Twain Elementary School. Slated to open in fall 2025, this upgraded facility will allow LPS Nutrition Services to prepare scratch-made food items, including fresh breads, muffins, sauces, dips, and much more, for all district cafeterias.
The new kitchen will not only enhance the quality of food served to students but also provide a space for creating allergen-sensitive recipes. Additionally, the project will enable LPS to engage more with local Colorado farmers, sourcing fresh, organic produce, and teaching students about where their food comes from.
By producing more meals in-house, the district will reduce waste, create efficiencies, and have greater control over ingredients, without the excessive use of salt, sugar, and preservatives. This initiative aligns with the ongoing LPS commitment to ensuring that students have access to nutritious meals that keep them energized and focused in the classroom.
We are incredibly grateful to our funders for their generous support, which plays a vital role in keeping LPS students engaged, healthy, and empowered throughout the year. If you would like to learn more about how you can support these projects, please contact Stef Carroll at 303-347-3478 or scarroll@lps.k12.co.us.
