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Auburn Education Foundation Continues to Grow
Rising costs have forced school districts to stretch their tax dollars, often causing the elimination of creative projects that differentiate the extraordinary school experience from the average one. To combat this trend, a group of dedicated citizens united to form the Auburn Education Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit public foundation, in 2003.
The Foundation provides funding for innovative and unique programs that otherwise would not be possible in the Auburn public schools. In two years it has provided 19 educator grants, collaborated on several community events, and is currently piloting a college preparation program.
Educator grants enable teachers, librarians, and school counselors to undertake special programs in their classes, grade levels, schools, and throughout the district. For example, students have extracted their own DNA, written and published a book, learned healthy exercise habits, created mini-film documentaries about historical events, communicated in the American Sign Language, and explored career opportunities.
The Foundation also partners with local businesses and organizations on meaningful projects. Elementary students teamed up with a visiting author who combined sports, photography, and poetry in the Poetry Slam-DUNK!! at local community centers. They also earned baseball tickets through Abner's RBIs Club, a reading program with the Auburn Doubledays Baseball Club.
Through A Future of Opportunities, a select group of middle and high school students who may face some obstacles in attending college are being provided with resources to help make this dream a reality. Last year the students experienced a day on a college campus. Programs involving guest speakers, mentors, and hands-on activities are currently being developed to build upon the enthusiasm generated by these visits.
As the Foundation grows, it is hoped that Auburn alumni who have gone on to make meaningful contributions in their communities will share their stories. Through an alumni network, students will be able to learn about career paths and other topics of interest. More importantly, learning about successful alumni could motivate students to strive for higher goals. Anyone wishing to become involved can contact Leslie Leary, Executive Director of the Auburn Education Foundation, at (315) -255-8827.
Auburn Education Foundation
ATTN: Leslie Leary
P. O. Box 592
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