MAKING AN IMPACT…Nurturing Bright Futures: Crucial Support for Students’ Basic Needs
It is often said that education is the great equalizer, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to unlock their full potential, bridge societal gaps, and pursue opportunities for a brighter and more equitable future. However, this ideal can be difficult to reach for many students in our community who are grappling with basic needs insecurity. When […]
DONORS MAKING A DIFFERENCE…Umpqua Bank
Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools awarded $6,000 grant from Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation. Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation recently awarded the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools (VPS) a $6,000 grant which will be used to remove poverty-related barriers to learning and increase student and family engagement and resiliency. Umpqua awarded Community Grants to 132 nonprofits in Oregon, […]
ENGAGING STUDENTS…Students Create Content for Heritage Months
Students Create Social Media Content for Heritage Months In recognition of the rich diversity within Vancouver Public Schools, students were given an opportunity to take over the Foundation’s social media communications for several national heritage months during the 2022-23 school year. This new engagement opportunity was designed to give students a chance to share their […]
DONORS MAKING A DIFFERENCE…Firstenburg Foundation
Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools awarded $50,000 Firstenburg Foundation grant. In the spring of 2023 The Firstenburg Foundation recently awarded the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools a $50,000 grant which will be used to provide basic needs support along with educational engagement and enrichment opportunities for all students. Approximately 22,000 students attend 40 schools and […]
MAKING AN IMPACT…Investing in Student Mental Health and Well-Being
An important part of the mission of the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools is to address the many challenges students face in the process of learning. A student’s overall health and well-being are critical to their performance in school. When it comes to mental health, students whose emotional needs are met are more likely to […]
ENGAGING STUDENTS…Mariposa Mural at Lake Shore Elementary
Students and staff of Lake Shore Elementary gathered in their school’s courtyard to celebrate the completion of the Mariposa Mural. All K-5 students worked with local mural artist Christian Barrios to create a legacy art piece for the school that focuses on diversity and belonging. A Foundation for VPS Engagement Grant helped fund the year-long […]
DONORS MAKING A DIFFERENCE…Cowlitz Tribal Foundation
The Cowlitz Tribal Foundation recently awarded the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools a $125,000 grant which will be used to provide direct support for students and families living in poverty as well as program support for early learning, mentoring, social and emotional health supports, enrichment and engagement activities. The grant came from the Cowlitz Tribal […]
RECENT NEWS…Bright Futures Luncheon Raises $230,000
The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools (VPS) held its 20th annual Bright Futures Luncheon on May 4, 2023. Over 500 supporters gathered to help celebrate a bright future for Vancouver youth, raising $230,000 in support of the 22,000 students in 37 VPS schools and programs across the district. Thanks to event sponsors, all money raised […]
MAKING AN IMPACT – The Plaza
Two evenings a week, families enter the gym at Roosevelt Elementary looking for education and personal connections. Upon arrival they’re often greeted by Hilda Lail, Family Advocate with Vancouver Public Schools’ Family-Community Resource Centers (FCRCs). Lail oversees The Plaza, a high-impact program designed for families from different cultural backgrounds to help improve skills such as […]
ENGAGING STUDENTS…Gaiser and Jason Lee Middle Schools Combined Orchestras
On December 1st, the Allegro and Presto Orchestras of Jason Lee and Gaiser Middle Schools performed in a combined concert for a crowd of approximately 500. The concert also included Oregon Hall of Fame group 3 Leg Torso thanks to a Foundation for VPS Engagement Grant awarded to the schools’ orchestra teacher, Ann Medellin. “I’m […]
