For the 2022-23 school year, the Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF) has provided Bellevue schools with more than $800,000 dollars in funding. This includes funding for computer science education, early learning programs, funding for inclusive libraries, and support for the district’s Signs of Suicide (SOS) curriculum, a school-wide, evidence-based suicide prevention program. This year, each of BSD’s 28 schools received a share of funding from BSF.
Bridging the Gap
Established in 1979, the Bellevue Schools Foundation is the first foundation dedicated to supporting public K-12 initiatives in Washington state. It is BSF’s mission to promote and fund the best possible learning opportunities for all students in Bellevue’s public schools. Since its inception, BSF has committed over $25 million to fund critical programs that fall through the financial cracks of local, state, and federal funding structures.
In 1978, when the Washington State legislature passed a levy lid restricting public funding for education, Bellevue community leaders realized that public dollars would fall short of meeting the educational needs of Bellevue children. In order to bridge the gap, the Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF) was created as a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3), non-profit organization to partner with the Bellevue School District.
And the Winners Are…
Each year, BSF awards BSD schools and educators with Arts, Enrichment & Innovation (A, E & I) Grants as well as Inspiration & Incubation (i2) Grants. A, E & I Grants fund projects that extend the regular curriculum, encourage higher-level thinking skills, enrich students through art, music, culture, science, or other activities, and provide opportunities for innovation in classrooms. I2 Grants fund inspiring projects that involve multiple schools, pilot new curriculum or instruction, engage students in critical issues, involve youth in service of other students/schools, or build school communities and partnerships.
Along with BSF, BSD congratulates each of our schools and all of our educators on their awards!