Colorado families may be eligible for up to $2,000 a year through the Shane Thurston Foundation’s Giving Fund. Designed to expand access to enrichment and educational opportunities, the scholarship can be a valuable resource for your child.
With so many options available, how do you choose the best program to make the most of this support?
This guide walks you through what the Shane Thurston Foundation’s Giving Fund is, who qualifies, how to apply, and how to select the right program to help your child thrive.
Whether your student needs support in music, creative expression, or academic enrichment like Mathnasium’s personalized math tutoring, we’ll help you explore your choices and make a meaningful investment in your child’s future.
The Shane Thurston Foundation is a Colorado-based nonprofit that helps families access educational and enrichment programs through scholarship funding.
Founded in 2019 in memory of Shane Thurston, a bright, compassionate young student whose life ended far too soon, the Foundation was created to reflect his spirit of kindness, inclusion, and support for others, especially those needing encouragement to reach their full potential.
The idea for the Foundation was shaped not only by Shane’s values but also by his educational journey.
When his family enrolled him in a six-week math tutoring program outside of school, he advanced from a 4th-grade to an 8th-grade math level. This progress showed just how powerful the right academic support can be.
As his mother later shared, it not only improved his performance but also helped reduce challenges at school, affirming what so many already knew about his abilities.
That experience helped inspire the Foundation’s mission to expand access to meaningful learning opportunities for other children, particularly those who may benefit from a more personalized or alternative approach to education.
With the help of the Giving Fund, families can now connect with high-quality programs such as tutoring, music, or art without worrying about upfront costs.
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The Shane Thurston Foundation’s Giving Fund provides scholarships of up to $500 per application to help K–12 students in Colorado access educational and creative programs.
Each eligible student may receive funding up to four times within a 365-day period, for a potential total of $2,000 per year, depending on fund availability.
Families can apply for:
Tutoring hours: Academic support through approved online or in-person businesses
Art or music program tuition: Fees for classes or structured programs in music or the arts
Art or music supplies: Materials required for a class or program, based on a supply list; these are purchased and sent directly to the family if approved
Approved facilities must be legitimate businesses that align with the foundation’s goals. Funds are never sent to families but are paid directly to the chosen provider on behalf of the student.
To be considered for the Giving Fund, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Grade level: Enrolled in Kindergarten through 12th grade
Residency: Must be a current resident of Colorado
School status: Must attend a school located within the state of Colorado, including public, private, charter, or homeschool programs.
The application is open to all qualifying students, regardless of income or background, making this scholarship broadly accessible to families across Colorado.
Students in grades K–12 who live in Colorado and attend a school within the state are eligible to apply for the Shane Thurston Foundation Giving Fund.
The Giving Fund application is available year-round and is completed online. A parent or guardian must submit the form, and student input is encouraged where applicable.
When applying, you’ll be asked to provide:
Basic student and household information
The name and contact details of the provider offering the service
A program-based supply list, if requesting art or music materials
Applications are typically reviewed within 30 days. If you haven't received a decision in that time, your application is still under consideration.
If you need help identifying an eligible provider or have questions about the process, email the Foundation at [email protected].
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The Shane Thurston Foundation Giving Fund can be used for tutoring, music or art programs, or related supplies, but only through approved providers like Mathnasium. Families do not receive the funds directly. Instead, awards are paid to the business offering the service.
To make the most of this opportunity:
Start by thinking about what kind of support or enrichment would be most meaningful for your child right now.
If they need help in school, tutoring can strengthen skills and build confidence.
If they’re passionate about music or art, structured lessons can encourage creative growth.
If they’re already enrolled in a class, supplies may help them participate more fully.
Some programs provide short-term enjoyment, while others build skills that last.
Aim for options that have clear learning goals, experienced instructors, and steady progress, whether in academics or the arts.
The Giving Fund can only be used with approved businesses, either online or in person. Before enrolling, confirm that the provider meets the foundation’s guidelines.
If you’re unsure, the Foundation provides a sample list of known facility partners to help families get started.
While location and schedule matter, the best programs are those that help your child grow. Look for an environment that is structured, encouraging, and suited to your child’s learning style and interests.
Core academic skills do more than boost grades. They shape how students think, solve problems, and approach new challenges. Among these, math plays a defining role in long-term academic and professional success.
Math skills are closely tied to success in science and technology, stronger financial decision-making, and improved critical thinking. Students with a solid foundation in math are often more confident and capable when facing complex tasks both in and out of the classroom.
For example, using Giving Fund support for Mathnasium tutoring can help your student:
Strengthen essential math skills that support classroom learning
Improve reasoning and analytical thinking
Perform better on homework, tests, and assessments
Develop practical financial literacy skills
Build a strong base for future success in STEM, business, and beyond
Giving Fund support for Mathnasium tutoring can help students build strong math skills, boost performance, and prepare for future success.
Families in and near Westminster can use their Shane Thurston Foundation Giving Fund award toward tutoring at Mathnasium of South Westminster. A $500 sponsorship typically covers about two months of tutoring, depending on session frequency.
Funds are paid directly to Mathnasium on behalf of the student, allowing families to get started without upfront costs.
Mathnasium is a math-only learning center dedicated to helping K–12 students of all skill levels excel in math. Whether your student is looking to catch up, keep up, or get ahead, they receive personalized math instruction in a fun and engaging group environment.
At the core of Mathnasium’s work is the Mathnasium Method™, a proprietary teaching approach that builds true math mastery through:
Diagnostic assessment: Each student begins with a diagnostic skills assessment to identify strengths and learning gaps.
Personalized learning plans: Using the assessment-based insights, we create a personalized learning plan to send your student on the best path to math mastery.
Teaching for understanding: Our specially trained tutors use proven methods and simple language to help students grasp math concepts in a way that makes sense to them.
Mathnasium delivers measurable results:
94% of parents report an improvement in their child’s math skills and understanding.
93% of parents report an improved attitude toward math after attending Mathnasium.
90% of students saw an improvement in their school grades.
Enrolling at Mathnasium is easy:
Find a Mathnasium Learning Center: Visit Mathnasium Learning Centers in the Westminster area to locate your nearest center or explore live online tutoring options.
Schedule a Free Assessment: Each student starts with an assessment to pinpoint strengths and knowledge gaps. These insights are used to design a personalized learning plan.
Enroll and Use Your Giving Fund Award: Once the plan is in place, families can use their Shane Thurston Foundation award to cover the cost of tutoring sessions.
Make the most of your Giving Fund award by choosing Mathnasium.
📅 Schedule a free assessment at Mathnasium of South Westminster
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Mathnasium of South Westminster is a math-only learning center for K-12 students in Westminster, CO. Trusted by over a million parents, Mathnasium uses personalized learning plans and the proprietary Mathnasium Method™ to help students catch up, keep up, and get ahead on their math journey.
Our specially trained tutors deliver face-to-face instruction in a supportive and fun small-group environment, working with students both in center and online to develop a deep understanding of math, build confidence, and improve academic performance.
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