Happy Fall Y'all!
After 8 months as Executive Director, it is even more apparent to me that innovation in public education is imperative. The need for new approaches to content, delivery, support services, and funding are being requested by our teachers and students. The Bedford County Public Schools System is responding to these needs. They do, however, need our support. They need and deserve the support of parents, businesses, the faith community, the arts community, and the non-profit community. The BAEF can serve as a resource to connect all of these individuals and organizations to support our teachers and students through our grants and events!
I hope you all see the Bedford Area Educational Foundation as a collaborative resource to support and empower our teachers and students. Our scholarships, grants, and events serve to educate, excite, and inspire education and community collaborations.
On September 20, our Board of Directors evaluated the single-largest portfolio of grant applications that we have received in over two decades. We received 23 grants totaling over $40,000. We are very excited about this surge in applications from our teachers. We do not have sustained capacity to fund this kind of need 4 times per year. We are growing, but we need the community's involvement.
At this time, the Board of Directors and I are visioning new ways to raise new funds and awareness about the Foundation. We would love the community's support. Some of you have already stepped up! We have been approached about new endowments and awards to recognize teaching leadership and excellence. We are considering new events and new partnerships. The sky is the limit and we are so grateful to have you all with us on this journey.
As a reminder, our next deadline for applications is November 1. If you are a teacher, counselor, or administrator and would like assistance in writing your grant, please reach out to me. I would be happy to assist. Thank you for ALL you do for our teachers and students!
Most Gratefully,
Jay
Dr. Jay White, MSG, CDP
info@bedfordeducation.com
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