Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence

STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAMS: MORE THAN TWO-THIRDS OF HIGHLINE PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS LIVE IN POVERTY. OUR COMMUNITY PROGRAMS SUPPORT STUDENTS WHOSE FAMILIES ARE STRUGGLING FINANCIALLY OR ARE HOMELESS (MCKINNEY-VENTO). THIS INCLUDES BASIC NEEDS SUPPORT (FOOD, CLOTHING, AND SHOES); BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLIES; PROM WEAR FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS; ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS SO THAT STUDENTS CAN PARTICPATE ON THEIR SCHOOLS' SPORTS TEAMS; AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR STUDENTS WHO WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN BAND OR ORCHESTRA BUT CAN'T AFFORD INSTRUMENT PURCHASE OR RENTAL.The Foundation distributed $31,693 in grocery gift cards and $20,000 in school supplies to families affected by COVID-19.

SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM GRANTS: The Foundation grants teachers, staff, and administrators the funds they need to support unique and innovative programs that state funding cant provide. We support activities and experiences that expand the learning process and actively engage students. Our goal is to provide teachers and schools with the resources they need to help our students be successful. The grants we select try to reach the most students and district schools possible. The Foundation grants also support student success and programs to improve graduation rates for students in the Highline Public Schools. In 2022, the Foundation awarded 41 grants to educators in the district to improve distance learning and help engage students.

College Scholarships: Each year, the Foundation awards scholarships to selected graduating seniors attending two- and four-year colleges. These scholarships are awarded based on need, leadership, and academic performance. In 2022, the Foundation awarded 22 scholarships to graduating seniors, totaling $204,000.