Our annual fundraising breakfast and new lunch program are just over a month away. Proudly presented by HomeStreet Bank and Premera Blue Cross, A Recipe for Success is the Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year. Join us on Friday, March 15th to celebrate 35 years of partnership with the Edmonds School District, supporting students, families and teachers in pursuit of educational excellence. Reserve your seat online or contact Deborah Anderson by email or phone at 425.431.7260. We thank our event sponsors Alaska Airlines, BN Builders and The Boeing Company.

The Foundation for Edmonds School District is pleased to announce that it has received a $10,000 gift from Seattle-based Inspirus Credit Union. These funds will further the Foundation’s work in all program areas including Creative Classroom and School-Wide Grants; World Language, P-SAT, College in the High School test fees; Summer School Credit Recovery class fees; Bridging the Digital Divide; and the Nourishing Network. Established in 1936, Inspirus’ vision is to be a financial services organization most valued for its contributions to education.

The Seattle-based Norcliffe Foundation has generously awarded a $10,000 grant to help fund the Foundation’s College Access for All program which his designed to reduce financial barriers for students who wish to pursue post-secondary education. College Access for All provides stipends for college entrance exams, College-in-the-High School tuition, summer school, and World Language tests. Last year, more than 2,500 sophomores and juniors received stipends for PSAT/PACT exams, and nearly 200 students earned 106 credits through the District’s Summer School Credit Recovery program. The Norcliffe Foundation awards human service, healthcare, civic and community, education, and arts and culture grants to organizations in the Puget Sound region.

On January 30th, Foundation and District staff handed out more than 130 laptops to qualifying students and families who previously did not have access to a computer or Internet at home. Families also received training in how to use their new device. A parent whose two children received laptops this year shared that “It makes them hopeful and ready to learn.” Now in its sixth year, the Foundation’s Surplus Laptop program is a partnership with the district’s IT and Instructional Technology departments. It aims to help close the “homework gap” by providing low-income households with technology needed for student success in school. Computers taken out of circulation in the District are refurbished and distributed by lottery through the Foundation. Low-cost Internet is available to families through Comcast’s Internet Essentials™ program.

Excellence in STEM education will be on display at the District’s annual STEM Expo on April 29th. Nearly 400 students will present projects and demonstrations at Mountlake Terrace High School, a STEM magnate school. District Superintendent Dr. Kristine McDuffy describes the Expo as an evening to “highlight students that have gained an appreciation for scientific knowledge and leadership skills such as cooperation, discipline, solving complex problems and overcoming challenges.”

Last year, STEM teams and Technology Student Associations received numerous honors at state, regional and national competitions, as well as a 4th place finish at the Robotics World Championship. This year, the City of Lynnwood has issued a Mayor’s Challenge inviting students to propose STEM solutions for real-world problems facing the community. City representatives will visit final projects at the Expo.

We gratefully acknowledge Comcast, title sponsor of this year’s STEM Expo. Firms interested in sponsoring the event may contact Jennifer Amend by email or phone at 425.431.7297.

Applications are being accepted online for our Student Scholarship program which is open to all graduating seniors attending an Edmonds School District high school. Need and merit-based scholarships are available for community college, vocational programs, and traditional four-year colleges and universities. In 2018, the Foundation was pleased to award more $153,000 to 69 graduating seniors and seven alumni. Visit our website for information about how to apply. Deadline to apply is Friday, March 29th. Questions may be directed to Lorna Wheaton by email or phone at 425-431-7084.

When people hear the words “planned giving” they often think of gifts that require significant wealth. But, in fact, anyone can make charitable donations through planned giving in a way that compliments their assets, income needs and giving goals. Planned gifts are contributions to a cherished non-profit that can be made now, provide income, or occur sometime in the future. A financial advisor can explain the options, and most are simple and affordable. The Foundation’s Legacy Circle recognizes individuals and families who have chosen to support our mission through a planned gift. If you would like to learn more, contact Deborah Anderson by email or phone at 425.431.7260.

Edmonds School District teachers and principals are invited to apply for the 2019 Elizabeth Ruth Wallace Project Grant, awarded annually as part of the Foundation’s School-Wide and Creative Classroom Grant program. One grant of up to $7,000 will be made for a high-impact, innovative special project for which the district or PTA/PSO/Boosters do not have funding.

The grant was established in memory of Elizabeth Ruth Wallace and the Stadler Family, who have made significant contributions to the Foundation. It was inspired by Emil Lichtenstein, a former Edmonds School District board of director who was instrumental in developing the district’s busing system. The successful applicant will be named at the Foundation’s Annual Award Ceremony on May 23rd.

Creative Classroom and School-Wide Grant applications are also now being accepted. Criteria and application details are available on the Foundation’s website. For more information, contact Lorna Wheaton by email or phone at 425.431.7084.

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is recruiting local employers to participate in a spring Youth Employment Fair for high school students. The goal of the fair, which takes place on Monday, April 10th, is to connect students pursuing vocational career pathways with summer or part-time employment and internships. The Edmonds School District offers 10 CTE programs through which students may earn either a certificate, or close to, when they finish high school. Past employers have included Panera Bread, Dunn Lumber, Skyhawks, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Emerald City Pizza, Dale Turner YMCA and the Cities of Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace. Companies interested in participating in the Youth Employment Fair or learning about CTE’s Business Partnership Program should contact Susan Beard, Business Partnership Coordinator, by email or phone at 425.431.7110.