We empower students through opportunity.
Our Mission
Emily Griffith Foundation provides educational and charitable funding for the support of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and programs of Emily Griffith Technical College, whose mission is to prepare students for today's workforce and tomorrow's opportunities. Emily Griffith provides equitable opportunities for all who wish to learn, work, and thrive.
Organization Background
Emily Griffith Foundation carries on the legacy and vision of Emily Griffith Technical College founder, Emily Griffith, a teacher and a pioneer for adult education who opened the first public career and technical college in the country in 1916. Ms. Griffith believed that every person, regardless of age, race, gender, or background had the right to an education and dedicated her life’s work to removing barriers that stood between students and their success. She also believed that education is the key to breaking generational cycles of poverty.
Emily Griffith Foundation was established in 1991 after Denver Public Schools reduced adult education funding and stopped subsidizing tuition for EGTC students. The Foundation was established to provide charitable funding for the support of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and programs of Emily Griffith Technical College. In its more than 30 years of existence, we have stayed true to this mission.