Our mission is to provide resources and educational opportunities, in partnership with St. Vrain Valley Schools and our local communities, to enhance student success and teacher excellence. As a result, our goal is to supplement the traditional education experience in ways that maximize the effectiveness of teachers and result in enhanced student achievement in an increasingly complex and competitive worldwide environment. We have the opportunity to positively impact over 30,000 students and 1,500 teachers annually.
St. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation (formally known as the Education Foundation for the St. Vrain Valley), a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in 1985. Former school board member and local philanthropist Eleanor Flanders spearheaded its creation. After completing her term on the School Board in the 1980s, she and then Superintendent Keith Blue, met to discuss her concern over the little funding available for teachers’ innovative ideas to enhance their students’ learning experiences. Together, they decided that a private foundation was needed to help teachers put their ideas into practice. In 1985, Eleanor began her leadership of what is now the St. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation. Beginning in 1987, the Education Foundation has provided grants to educators within the St. Vrain Valley. Eleanor led the Foundation as its President until 2004.
The Education Foundation provides a conduit for individuals, other foundations and businesses to support programs essential to student success in St. Vrain. Funding from these sources is directed to areas identified as most critical by the St. Vrain Valley School District. The foundation has grown over the years. Annually, we award $50,000 in Teacher Innovation Grants, over $80,000 in student scholarships, host the teacher appreciation night, “Tribute to Teachers”, host the Sunrise Stampede to support students with special needs, offer the Eleanor Venture Travel Grant, and provide funding for other innovative projects in St. Vrain Valley Schools. Since inception, the foundation has made awards to St. Vrain Valley students and educators exceeding $3.5 million.