Access to quality education for all students is an issue of justice and equity. Students who
don’t have access to a quality education suffer long term consequences. The education
achievement gap is often described as an opportunity gap. Students who have access to
educational materials, enriching experiences and supportive adults within and outside the
school environment do better in school than students who do not have access to these
supports.
The CUSF is the only organization dedicated to supporting creativity, innovation and
excellence in Champaign-Urbana public schools. They do so by providing grants to
teachers as well as scholarships to students. Schools’ role in the lives of students and
families was made apparent during the pandemic of the past 22 months. As the impact of
the pandemic improves, the challenges facing teachers, students and their families will
continue. The financial support provided by CUSF allows teachers to do what they are
uniquely skilled at: responding to student and family needs in individual, direct and
