35th Anniversary Press Release
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Odette Adair, Bend-LaPine Education Foundation President
541-355-5660, info@blpedfoundation.org
Sara Odendahl, Bend-LaPine Education Foundation Board Member
303-506-2348, sara.odendahl@gmail.com
EDUCATION FOUNDATION CELEBRATES 35 YEARS OF SUPPORT FOR BEND-LAPINE SCHOOLS
November 7, 2023 – Since 1988, the Bend-LaPine Education Foundation has invested over $2.1 million into our local K-12 public schools through the generosity of business and community support, foundation grant awards and individual donors. Over the last 35 years students and educators in Bend, La Pine and Sunriver schools have benefited from:
Classroom Grants -In 2023, the Foundation is funding over $72,000 for classroom grants impacting schools throughout the District at all levels (elementary through high school). Our work helps students engage in STEM, art, music & wellness opportunities regardless of skill level, gender, interests, culture, language or socioeconomic status.
Activity Fee Scholarships - The Foundation provides financial support for middle and high school students to participate in OYSA sanctioned after-school athletics and activities. This program provides a pivotal need in our community to keep students engaged and active. Our partnership with Mt. Bachelor and their Ski for Schools program has provided over $200,000 in financial support for the program.
Perseverance Scholarships - This program recognizes at-risk graduating seniors who have overcome difficult life obstacles to graduate and have future education or trade school career plans. Thanks to a generous partnership with the Mayantigo Foundation, we will be awarding over $100,000 in scholarships in Spring 2024.
Latinx Scholarships - Scholarships for graduating Latino students to pursue higher education or trade school opportunities are an integral part of the Foundation’s community programs.
“As we enter our 35th year, the Foundation is thrilled to celebrate the cumulative impact that our programs, partnerships and volunteers have had on teachers and students in Bend-LaPine schools. We’re both honoring our past and charting a new course forward to continue our commitment to the community,” said Odette Adair, Board President.
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About the Bend La-Pine Education Foundation
Started in 1988, the Bend-La Pine Education Foundation is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit comprised of parents, community leaders, educators, and citizens who share the belief that a vibrant public school system is essential to the social and economic well-being of our community. The Foundation mobilizes community resources to fund innovative academic STEM, art, music and wellness programs that go beyond normal school funding at the 36 schools within the Bend-La Pine School District. Other programs include Activity Fee Scholarships, Latinx Scholarships and Perseverance Scholarships. Learn more about the Foundation in our 2022-23 Annual Report: https://www.blpedfoundation.org/news/2022-2023-annual-report