Campaign for Stuyvesant SHS Alumni & Friends Endowment Fund Inc

THE CAMPAIGN FOR STUYVESANT A REMARKABLE SCHOOL Many of us have fond and special memories of Stuyvesant High School: our exceptional classmates and fine teachers, landmark formative experiences, and the beginnings of lives away from home on the road of adult life. Stuyvesant then and now stands out, not only in New York City, but in the nation. Since first opening its doors in 1904, Stuyvesant has operated on the belief that New York City's most gifted students deserve the best in public secondary education. While much has changed at Stuyvesant in the last 100 years, its basic nature has not: Stuyvesant remains a haven for self-motivated students, many of whom are immigrants and the children of immigrants working to achieve the "American Dream." The students may be talented, but Stuyvesant is far from the province of the privileged. Students come from every one of the five boroughs and represent every economic level and ethnicity. A REMARKABLE ACCOMPLISHMENT Stuyvesant helps forge pathways for students into significant and creative activities, to positions of importance in society, and to fulfillment in life. The fact that Stuyvesant provides superior educational and extracurricular opportunities is truly amazing since the school is among the most under-financed of New York City public high schools. Reimbursable funds do not apply to Stuyvesant. The school must obtain private resources to maintain elective and advanced placement courses, buy and replace special instruments and equipment, field 30 athletic teams, support 90 clubs and 35 publications, and help develop and showcase student talents in science, technology, humanities and the performing arts. Often emergency funds for programs, student groups, and other pressing needs are required fast. We will be there to assist. Stuyvesant HS programs succeed because of the alumni/ae, former and current parents, and friends who go the extra mile in providing funds, talent, and contributed services. Thank you. A REMARKABLE OPPORTUNITY As Stuyvesant celebrates its Centennial in 2004, it is not enough to enjoy past successes. Given Stuyvesant's pre-eminent place in science and technology education, the school stands ready to lead now that the "knowledge industries" are changing all aspects of life in our country and in our world. To ensure Stuyvesant's continuing leadership, it is vital that the future of this special high school be secured. You help make this happen. A change in attitude towards private support of public secondary schools is taking place today. Current funding for NYC high schools falls far short of offering the level of support necessary to keep pace with the needs of a school like Stuyvesant. Educational institutions throughout the United States are facing similar pressures and have turned to alumni and friends to contribute the financial resources needed to maintain and enhance the values of their institutions. In this new climate, we have established the Endowment Fund, an opportunity for all of us to provide a long-term source of funds. The Goal of The Campaign for Stuyvesant is to raise $12 million for the Endowment Fund. Income from the Endowment Fund will be directed to programs, activities, and student-teacher needs not covered by Board of Education funding, which is determined by a fixed formula based on enrollment alone. We need your support and participation. With your help, Stuyvesant will remain in the forefront and the students will receive the benefits of your generosity. Your support of The Campaign for Stuyvesant/Endowment Fund ensures that this remarkable high school continues its legacy of excellence. Thank you very much.