VISIT WEBSITE: foundationforvps.org
DATE OF GRANT: March 2019
AMOUNT OF GRANT: $50,000
FOCUS AREA: Education
Support for the Community Schools Program
Our vision is that all students are prepared, confident and excited to learn.
Nearly 24,000 students attend Vancouver Public Schools. Over half qualify for subsidized meals, which is a federal indicator of poverty. That’s approximately 12,000 youth in our own community who lack the basic necessities to be successful in school and in life.
In support of the Community Schools Model, the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools (FVPS) was seeking funding for two separate programs areas:
- Family Stability
- Capital Investments for Schools and Classrooms
FVPS addresses family stability through key investment areas, providing direct housing aid and related personal items; wellness support including food and medical care; and emergency/crisis assistance through the Principals Emergency Checkbook. The overall objective is to help students remain on track in school while their family situation stabilizes. This support can drastically change the trajectory of the lives of these young students!
Through FVPS’ Engagement Grants offered to each school every year, students are able to benefit from experiences that are above and beyond the school district’s curriculum and budget. Each school gets to decide on the activities or programs that would best meet the needs and interests of their student body. Many of the schools will choose to purchase items/equipment that will remain at their schools, enabling the activity to continue for a number of years.
