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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.
The impact of the Greater Clark Education Foundation is evident in the success stories that have emerged from its initiatives. Students who have benefited from scholarships and grants have gone on to excel in various fields, attributing their success, in part, to the foundation’s support. Teachers, equipped with new skills and resources, have reported increased engagement and enthusiasm among their students.
As the educational landscape continues to evolve, the Greater Clark Education Foundation remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of innovation. With a forward-looking vision, the foundation aims to expand its reach, ensuring that every student within the Greater Clark County School District has access to a high-quality, transformative education. As it continues to empower minds and inspire futures, the foundation is a shining example of how a community can come together to invest in the education of its youth, ultimately building a strong and more prosperous tomorrow.
