Independent Foundation Helping Schools

Chesterfield Public Education Foundation, Inc. is an independent foundation made up of local businesses who see the important link between good education, economic development and a well prepared work force. This Foundation provides support for the Chesterfield County school system, including funds, intellectual capital, and project support.

An anonymous gift from a Chesterfield family provided the money to establish the Foundation. The family pledged $100,000 to fund the first four years of awards, and will match up to $200,000 to continue the awards.

Among the projects funded by the first MCD Awards are:

· “Algebra Tutorial” will equip a Meadowbrook High School computer lab with algebra tutorial materials which will provide supplemental help for 150 students in Integrated Math I and 2. The goal is to raise understanding of algebraic concepts by one letter grade.

· “Improving Mathematics Skills for Middle Schoolers” Teachers and students from the Math and Science High School will offer a two-week division-wide summer program for selected sixth and seventh grade students. The goal is to increase the number of students qualifying for honors algebra in 8th grade, thus allowing them access to high level math and science courses in high school.

· “Support for Success” will offer after-school tutoring for 30 rising sixth grade students at Manchester Middle School. This project will attempt to identify students at risk of failing the state Literacy Passport Test and aim for an 80% passage rate among students being tutored.

The Chesterfield Public Education Foundation is soliciting $200,000 in matching funds from businesses and individuals to fully endow the awards for the future.

Sound interesting? Want to get involved? For more information, please contact….. Lynn Wilson, Business Partnership Specialist, Chesterfield County Public Schools at 751-4736.