UNVEILING THE IMPACT OF THE GREATER CLARK COUNTY EDUCATION FOUNDATION
EDUCATION IS the cornerstone of progress , and communities that invest in the intellectual development of their youth lay the foundation for a brighter future . In the heart of Southern Indiana , the Greater Clark Education Foundation ( GCEF ) sets the standard for educational support . The foundation ’ s core mission is to improve student outcomes and the learning of every student in every school , in collaboration with district leadership , by engaging the support of businesses and community . Since its inception in 1999 , the GCEF has grown from giving away several hundred dollars annually , to providing over $ 130,000 in grants each year - money that continues to enhance the learning experience of children throughout all of Clark County .
Programs such as the Academies of Greater Clark , a program that prepares high school students for their post-secondary endeavors , Teacher Externships , Creative Classroom Grants , Theater Art Grants , and VEX Robotics have enhanced the education of students and also the careers of educators . “ I love that we are able to enrich learning opportunities for the students of Greater Clark ,” said Emily Oliver- Jones , Executive Director of GCEF . “ One of my favorite things about my job is seeing our support in action . I love visiting classrooms and seeing students engaged in a special project that one of our teachers was able to provide to them through a Creative Classroom Grant . I love seeing the district wide robotics competition where all the elementary schools come together and create a robot to complete a challenge . I love seeing music and theater productions that our Foundation has been able to provide funding to upgrade musical instruments , equipment , or sheet music . I love visiting art rooms and seeing students learning new art techniques with supplies we have helped purchase . Because of the generous support of our community , we get to provide so many opportunities to our students and seeing them in action is what I love most .”
The Foundation also works to address the needs of teachers in the classroom . “ I feel educators need to be seen more than ever right now . It brings me great joy that our Foundation is a vehicle that supports them , can be a solution to their needs , and shows them we see them . Every time I visit a classroom , I ’ m reminded just how special educators are and it makes me want to work harder . I want teachers to love their job and know how much they matter . My hope is that they think of the GCEF as an organization that values them and is a resource of support for them ,” said Emily .
The Teacher Supply Bus , which began in the 2021-2022 school year , was an initiative designed from educator feedback . The largest request the Foundation receives is for pencils , dry erase markers , tissues , and other various classroom supplies . Each year , educators spend approximately $ 1000 of their own money on school supplies in an effort to help their students be equipped and ready to learn . Community drives and donations keep the bus full with needed materials . The Teacher Supply Bus tours each school in Greater Clark County and allows educators to hop on and “ shop ” for the supplies they need the most , free of charge .
10 EXTOL | FALL 2023