Who We Are

We are an independent, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization founded by parents, concerned citizens, civic and business leaders, and educators. We believe that a vibrant public school system is essential to the social and economic well being of our community. Thanks to increasing support from our community, the Foundation has provided over $536,329 in support to our teachers, classrooms and students since 2003

Our Mission

To mobilize resources to ensure exceptional public education that enriches our community

Why We Exist

• To give teachers the tools needed to teach effectively
• Increase educational opportunities for all students
• Foster scholarship and professional development
• Encourage creative and innovative curriculum

Our Programs

Our Classroom Impact Grants provide invaluable resources to our teachers and students. Annually,teachers and district staff submit grant requests to the Foundation for small but valuable educational initiatives or projects. Grants are reviewed by the school's site council to ensure they are consistent with the school's educational objectives and strategic plan. We have awarded over 152 classroom grants with approximately 8,000 students benefiting from the program annually. Unfortunately, we are not able to meet all the funding requests.

More than 750 local students have directly benefited from our Activity Fee Scholarship Fund. This fund provides financial support to students who cannot afford the pay-to-play fees for sports and the participation fees for performing arts and club activities. Many of our students would not be able to participate without outside support.

The Foundation also administers special projects with community partners. These projects are initiated by community groups with the Foundation serving as the fiscal sponsor. Our projects include the Summit Initiative To Reduce Class Size, The Americana Project, special scholarship funds, Stars Over Summit Concert Series, and district wide educational projects. The Board plans to announce two new initiatives in the fall of 2007 including a Teachers/Learning Initiative and a Civic Engagement Initiative.

Get Involved

• Make a contribution to the Education Foundation
• Volunteer with the Education Foundation
• Be active in your schools

About Our Schools

For quick facts about Bend-La Pine Schools click here or visit www.bend.k12.or.us