Allentown School District Foundation

The Allentown School District Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established in 2009. Its mission is to enrich the educational experience in the Allentown School District by promoting student achievement and providing financial support for various educational programs.

History and Mission

Founded to enhance the educational landscape of Allentown, Pennsylvania, the Foundation focuses on institutional advancement of initiatives and programs that foster student success. It aims to provide educational experiences that might not be otherwise available due to budget constraints.

Programs and Activities

The Foundation supports a range of programs designed to enrich students' educational experiences, including:

• Science Fair: Encourages scientific inquiry and innovation among students.
• National History Day: Supports research-based projects in history, helping students develop critical research and presentation skills.
• Visual Arts Residencies: Provides opportunities for students to engage in visual arts programs integrated with other subjects.
• Performing Arts Support: Enhances music education by exposing students to various instruments and musical experiences.
• Volunteer Reading Program: Engages volunteers in reading programs to support early literacy skills.
• Teacher Innovation Grants: Offers mini-grants to encourage teacher innovation and initiative in classroom projects.
• Scholarships: Offers scholarships to high school graduates to pursue higher education.
• Summer Camp Scholarships: Provides opportunities for students to attend various summer camps, fostering diverse learning experiences.

Impact and Achievements

As of the 2019-2020 academic year, the Foundation had:

• Raised almost $4.5 million for Allentown students since its inception.
• Supported over 3,553 students through its programs in the same year.
• Built an endowment of $426,000 by the end of 2019.
• Awarded numerous scholarships, including over $55,000 in 2021 to college-bound seniors.

Governance and Strategic Plan

The Foundation operates under a board of directors composed of community leaders and educational experts. It is poised for growth, focusing on implementing a strategic plan that emphasizes science, music, literacy, teacher innovation, scholarships, and the visual arts. The plan also seeks to enhance alumni engagement, increase social media outreach, and secure greater endowments for scholarships.

Diversity and Inclusivity

The Allentown School District Foundation values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, marital status, pregnancy, or disability.