ABOUT US

Promoting Student Success – a guiding principle of the Wichita Public Schools Foundation is that every student deserves to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Achieving this goal requires more than just dedication from educators and students; it demands substantial financial support to fund various initiatives and programs designed to foster student success. Areas of focus under this pillar would include:

• Student Care Fund – this fund would strive to overcome barriers related to the physical needs of students, including providing eyeglasses, shoes, coats, backpacks, clothing, personal care products and other needs. Students will often miss school because they do not have these essential items that most people take for granted.

• Families in Transition – this fund would specifically support homeless and foster care students, assisting with transportation costs, gas cards, blankets, temporary shelter and other transition needs where community supports fall short.

• Hunger Fund – this fund would specifically support students who do not qualify for free meals, but just barely miss the threshold. Many students cannot pay even the reduced rates for meals. This fund will help ensure no student goes hungry.

• Student Mental Wellness – this fund specifically would support the various mental wellness issues students experience, often due to poverty and lack of access to adequate mental health care. Supports could include educational materials, financial help with doctor visits and attendance initiatives.

Investing in Staff – a critical component of the Wichita Public Schools Foundation’s founding principles is financially supporting needs of teachers and other staff. Teachers are the backbone of any educational institution. The effectiveness of the Wichita Public Schools is directly linked to the capabilities and well-being of its teachers and staff.  Initiatives investing in staff increase retention, enhance educational quality, and improve student outcomes.

• Professional Development – by providing resources for staff development, the foundation helps create an environment where teacher can continuously improve their skills, leading to better academic performance and overall success for students.

• Staff Awards and Celebrations – investing in initiatives that make teachers and staff feel valued and supported, they are more likely to collaborate, share best practices and work together to create a cohesive and inclusive educational experience for all students.

Classroom Innovation – a key area of need for Wichita Public Schools, funds raised will support innovative teaching methods and educational technologies that enhance classroom learning. Grants will allow teachers to try the latest educational strategies and bring cutting-edge technologies to their students, ensuring students receive the highest quality instruction.

• Classroom Mini Grants – teachers want to innovate, but often do not have the financial resources to do so. Mini grants will foster dynamic learning environments where students are engaged and inspired to think critically and solve problems creatively.

• Future Ready initiative supports – Wichita Public Schools strives to respond to community needs related to a 21st century workforce. The district has been focused on creating more future ready programs, including manufacturing, health care, and cybersecurity hands-on “labs” where students can actually perform tasks in these areas. There is insufficient funding to support all the innovation in these labs, so the Wichita Public Schools Foundation could support equipment and other one-time needs.

• Extracurricular Supports – research shows that students who participate in extracurricular activities feel more engaged, have more of a connection to schools, build better relationships with other students and staff, and perform better academically. Extracurriculars are often given small budgets and have great financial needs going unmet. Financial resources focused in this area will create equitable opportunities for all students to be involved.

Creating a Legacy – a primary focus of the Wichita Public Schools Foundation is to provide scholarships to students who demonstrate academic potential and a commitment to their education but lack the financial means to pursue higher learning opportunities. By alleviating the financial burden, the Foundation will enable students to focus on their studies, participate in extracurricular activities, and fully engage in their educational journey.

• Legacy Fund (ECA, Credentials, Dual/Concurrent Credit) – this fund would specifically focus on financial resources for students seeking to earn post-secondary assets while in high school.

• Scholarships and Memorials – this fund would specifically allow donors to set up scholarships and memorials to assist students with their post-secondary education plans.

• Planned Giving – this fund would allow for specific endowments or targeted giving for creating personal legacies benefiting Wichita Public Schools students.