Harrisburg, SD, June 23, 2023 - The Harrisburg School District is proud to announce the launch of its Education Foundation, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and supporting student success. With a focus on empowering teachers, assisting students and families in need, and promoting innovation in education, the foundation's initiatives are set to make a significant impact on the district's educational landscape.
Annual Fund
As part of the district's philanthropic efforts, an Annual Fund has been established to benefit students and teachers. The Annual Fund provides a reliable source of unrestricted funds for the district to use to support programs and activities that are not covered by traditional sources of funding. It also provides a way for individuals, businesses, and other organizations to contribute funds to the district's philanthropic efforts.
First Time Teacher Grants: Recognizing the challenges faced by first-year teachers, the Education Foundation has established a grant program to provide financial support. These grants will enable new educators to purchase essential classroom materials, ensuring a conducive learning environment for their students right from the start.
Student Success: The foundation understands the importance of addressing the diverse needs of students and families within the district. To that end, the Annual Fund will also assist those facing emergencies or crises. Social workers in the district will utilize this fund to provide immediate support, ensuring that students can focus on their education during challenging times.
Endowment Fund
The Harrisburg School District Education Foundation has partnered with the South Dakota Community Foundation to establish an endowment fund. Donations made to the endowment are invested for the long term, generating a sustainable source of funding. Each year, a portion of the fund's average fair market value will be allocated to support various initiatives:
Special Projects Supporting Excellence in Teaching & Learning: The Education Foundation will finance projects that enhance teaching methods, curricula, and instructional resources, ensuring that educators have the tools they need to provide exceptional education.
Supporting Innovative Programs: The foundation aims to foster innovation in education by supporting programs that explore new approaches, technologies, and teaching methodologies. This commitment to innovation will help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Professional Development for Educators: Recognizing the importance of continuous professional growth, the Education Foundation will allocate funds to provide teachers with opportunities for workshops, conferences, and other professional development activities. This investment in educators' skills will translate into enhanced classroom experiences for students.
Educational Enrichment Activities for Students: The foundation seeks to enrich students' learning experiences beyond the classroom. Through the allocation of funds, students will have access to extracurricular activities, field trips, and other educational opportunities that broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding.
Culture & Cohesion Experiences for Staff and/or Students: To foster a sense of community and togetherness, the Education Foundation will support activities that promote cultural understanding, collaboration, and positive relationships among staff and students.
Pre-School Education: Recognizing the critical role of early education in a child's development, the foundation aims to support pre-school education initiatives. By investing in early learning programs, the district seeks to provide a strong foundation for students as they embark on their educational journey.
The establishment of the Harrisburg School District Education Foundation symbolizes the District’s commitment to excellence in Education. Through its various initiatives, the foundation is poised to uplift teachers, empower students, and drive innovation in the pursuit of educational excellence. With the support of the community, the annual fund drive seeks to raise funds that will fuel these transformative endeavors. Together, we can create a brighter future for Harrisburg's students and inspire a lifelong love for learning.