Foundation Receives $5,000 from Glaser Foundation for Career & College Readiness Programs

LYNNWOOD, WA – The Foundation for Edmonds School District announced today that it received a $5,000 grant from Seattle-based Glaser Foundation to expand career and college readiness programs serving an estimated 3,100 low-income students at seven high schools.

The grant bolsters funding for programs designed to help students graduate on time and overcome barriers to career and educational opportunities after high school. These include:

• stipends to pay for college entrance and world language proficiency exams, College in the High School credits, and summer school credit retrieval
• career-connected learning through entry-level employment, internships and vocational apprenticeship programs
• post-secondary scholarships for vocational, 2- and 4-year programs

“It’s understood that when students are able to fully participate in educational opportunities available in high school, they graduate in a stronger position to continue their educations and earn a living wage for themselves and their families,” said Foundation Executive Director Deborah Brandi. “We thank the Glaser Foundation for grant funding that will increase equity of access by allowing us to serve more students through career and college readiness initiatives.”

Last year as a result of Foundation funding, 589 students took PSAT/Pre-ACT exams, 124 students earned 620 College in High School credits, and 376 students earned world language credits with 236 earning a seal of biliteracy. Seventy-four graduates and alumni received 96 post-secondary scholarships totaling $146,000.  

The Edmonds School District is Snohomish County’s largest public school district, serving more than 20,800 students across 35 campuses. On average, 33 percent of the district’s students are eligible for the federal free or reduced lunch program, with rates at several schools as high as 75 percent. An estimated 650 students will experience homelessness during the school year.

For 35 years, the Foundation for Edmonds School District has worked in partnership with the District to ensure that every student has the resources to learn, thrive and contribute to our vibrant community. With an all-volunteer board and active community participants, the Foundation provides supplemental funding to support students, families and educators in the pursuit of educational excellence. www.foundationesd.org