Students in the Clark County School District have distributed more than $130,000 in funds to worthy non-profits through We R Community, an intiative of the Public Education Foundation. That's not just good news, it's providing a great educational experience for the students at 14 local high schools that are participating, according to Leslie DeVore and Sheri Exber Scheele, who spoke at today's meeting.
The Public Education Foundation, celebrating its 20th year in operation, is an independent non-profit dedicated to supporting the public education system through strategic giving, public-private partnerships, and innovative problem-solving/teaching programs.
Students in classes that are chosen to participate in the We R Community initiative solicit grant applications from area non-profits, evaluate the applications on criteria they identify, do all necessary due-diligence to research which organizations will ultimately receive the $5,000 in grant monies available and then present the awards at an event they organize at the end of each school year. Local businesses and organizations such as Rotary clubs pledge the funds to support the program, which currently operates at 14 area high schools.
"It is an amazing way for students to learn about philanthropy and give back to the community at the same time," commented Ms. DeVore. In addition to the philanthropy component, participating students also volunteer in hands-on projects throughout the year. Among the organizations this collaborative effort has supported are The Shade Tree, Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, The Rape Crisis Center and Three Square. By the end of this school year the program will have distributed approximately $200,000 to more than 50 local charities, non-profits and schools.
To donate or find out more about the Public Education Foundation visit their website at http://www.thepef.org/.
Interesting program and concept. Teaches kids fiscal responsibility and decision making skills. Probably worthy of a club foundation grant. What do y'all think?
ReplyDeleteRegarding Community Foundation and Centers for Teaching Excellence, not to undermine your very positive take on an educational program, my view is that this is a very flawed concept on a lot of levels. They were mentioned in the R-J today in an article on excessive administrative salaries for union leadership. I've attached a link. Shouldn't surprise me, really. In the program they were pushing, kids were given money to donate to the charities of their choice...money they had no stake in actually earning. And for the classes involved in this learning experience of giving away money you did not earn, the teachers were, of course, paid extra for participating in the program. http://www.lvrj.com/news/teachers-union-leaders-criticize-ex-director-s-excessive-salaries-140820203.html
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