As we embark into 2022, the Asheville City Schools Foundation is thrilled to share our new mission statement and Strategic Plan. Our Strategic Plan roots us in the work ahead and guides our collective efforts as we continue to center and uplift the genius, joy, and aspirations of our Asheville City Schools students.

From cultivating youth leadership to expanding supports for our educators, we are proud to provide the following updates to our community whose support makes these opportunities possible.

This fall and winter, ACSF collaborated with Vital Clarity to facilitate a series of strategic planning sessions to guide the next three years of our work. Our Strategic Planning Committee was composed of 25 diverse, intergenerational members including ACSF board and staff, ACS board members and educators, parents, community leaders, UNC Asheville alumni, AHS alumni, and current ACS students.
The Spring TAPAAS catalog is now live! ACSF is accepting applications from ACS educators now through February 18th! Click below to see this semester's offerings which include virtual and in-person field trips to arts organizations such as the Asheville Art Museum and the North Carolina Glass Center, artist residencies spanning all mediums and performing arts, and special experiences such as the Pachaysana International residency.

In Real Life (IRL) After-School returns this spring, February 28 - April 28! Check out the fun, creative, and kinesthetic opportunities our students will be participating in this semester. IRL is committed to providing our middle schoolers with caring mentors and new opportunities that encourage them to live a curious life. Which IRL clubs would you have chosen in middle school?

P.S. Have a spare Keurig Coffee Maker that you no longer need? Donate to ACSF to ensure our IRL Team has the caffeine they need to swim, draw, ride, dig, cook, create, and build with our students during programming! Email acsf@acsf.org
DEDICATED . RESPONSIBLE . ENTHUSIASTIC . AFTER-SCHOOL . MENTORS

This semester, DREAM students have engaged in the following professional development sessions:

  • Classroom behavioral management with Drs. Cole and Ruppert from UNC Asheville
  • Exploring future pathways with Kedar McGill from the Color of Science
  • Mental Health First Aid Training with Tor White, LLC

Our DREAM mentors will be working within IRL After-School starting Feb. 28th!
This semester, REAP students are engaging our education community in the following projects:

  • 21-Day Social Justice Challenge in partnership with the YWCA
  • Asheville 6 Strategy presentation to elementary teachers
  • Asheville 6 presentation to Asheville Middle and MNSA staff
  • Scenario practice with high school teachers at monthly staff meetings
  • Asheville 6 Visibility Campaign
  • End-of-year high school class evaluations in partnership with UNC Asheville


On February 26th - 27th, ACS and the Black Educator Excellence (BEE) Program will host Dr. Reginald Turner for a training and discussion on the topic of Building Emotional Resilience in Black Educators. If you are a local Black educator interested in attending, please contact Brandon Whiteside, Scholarship and Alumni Center Coordinator, at brandon@acsf.org.

THE BETSY PRITCHARD RHODES EDUCATOR GRANT
This grant opportunity funded 5 projects which focused on the well-being of our students and teachers, and the joy of learning. Awards ranged from $500 to $2,500. The Asheville City Schools Foundation is deeply honored to continue Betsy’s legacy of inspiring a love of learning in students. Click below to continue reading and learn more about the grant awardees.
THE DEBORAH SIZEMORE ARTS GRANT
This grant focused on the joy and healing benefits of participation in the arts. Funding provides district-wide band trainings with retired Air Force Band conductor, Colonel Jeff Warner. Deborah Sizemore was a beloved mother, teacher, and friend. For 15 years, Deborah served as the Music Specialist at Claxton Elementary. Her love of arts, and her love of children, gave Deborah a gift for teaching that touched thousands of students in the Asheville City Schools.
Donations may be made via cash, check, wire transfers, or online. Cash and Checks may be mailed to: Asheville City Schools Foundation, PO Box 3196 Asheville, NC 28802. Please contact Rebecca Abide, Development and Communications Director at (828) 350-6179 to receive banking information for wire transfers or to gift shares of stock.
Click here to view a full list of community businesses supporting our students.