In a recent interview, Melinda Brasher, Georgetown ISD Director of Communications and Foundation board member, shared insightful responses about the impactful work of the Georgetown Education Foundation (GEF). In this article, we explore the inspiration behind the foundation, the community needs it addresses, and its lasting impact, all through the lens of the district’s communications leader.
What inspired the founding of GEF?
Established in 2015 by a consortium of dedicated community members, the GISD Education Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to ensuring the students, teachers, and staff in the Georgetown ISD public schools are afforded exceptional academic and social opportunities to maximize personal achievement.
We needed a way to match our incredibly charitable community with the needs inside of our school district in the most direct way possible. One hundred percent of our proceeds benefit programs in Georgetown ISD that align with the district’s mission. Since its founding in 2015, the foundation has invested more than $836,000 into innovative programs and learning projects in Georgetown ISD schools.
What need is GEF addressing in the community?
The GISD Education Foundation serves as the fundraising arm for Georgetown ISD. An all-volunteer board raises funds to support innovative GISD programs that may not otherwise receive funding. Since its inception, the Foundation has provided sustaining funding for programs like SeaPerch, the district’s underwater robotics program; the annual State of the District academic showcase, and twice-annual grant cycles for teachers and staff.
What is your favorite part about being involved with GEF?
The entire experience has been rewarding, and choosing a favorite is a tough question. However, if I had to pick a favorite experience, I would say the Spring Grant Patrol when we award collaborative grants to teachers and staff. Seeing the educators’ and students’ reactions when we surprise them in their classroom with a big check is always one of my favorite days of the year. You see firsthand how thankful and excited the teachers are when they learn their innovative ideas are being funded.
Projects and Events
We are very pleased about the turnout and results of this year’s 50 Fellas Food Fest held last month at the Ride On Center for Kids (ROCK) barn. Every year, our entire community comes together to enjoy some really good food, served up by chef volunteers who are vying for bragging rights as the top chefs in one of three categories: entree, appetizer and dessert. It’s a lot of fun and raises money for the teachers and students of GISD.
What impact has GEF had on the community?
Education foundations and agencies like them are helping fill budgetary gaps, especially during a time when Texas public school funding is falling short. This year, our total investment in GISD schools will exceed $1M. We partner closely with the district to understand its needs and find ways to support those needs through financial support.
In recent years, we helped secure funding from SportClips to launch the district’s cosmetology program at no cost to students. On completion, students are ready to sit for the state licensing exam and go immediately into the field. (A post-high school program equivalent costs $20-25,000.)
SeaPerch was launched by the U.S. Navy to encourage engineering and robotics at all grade levels. In GISD, we have students participating at 15 campuses at all gravel levels. We sent teams to the national and international competitions every year since the program began nine years ago. The community gets behind this program as well. The regional SeaPerch competition happens right here in Georgetown at the Georgetown Rec Center thanks to countless community volunteers.
This year, we helped fund the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program at East View High School. AVID is an in-school academic support program designed to help prepare students for college eligibility and success.
Other sustaining grant programs include the NEXT Program, also aimed at college preparedness. High school students in the program are primarily first-generation college students who find support through NEXT to navigate the process. Students go on annual college visits and families receive support navigating the application and financial aid process.
A Special Teacher Grant
Literacy is a big focus in GISD, and while many programs support student literacy, we received a really innovative grant idea that has grown throughout the district: book vending machines. Campuses develop programs that encourage students to read. Students can earn coins that can be redeemed in the vending machine for a book of their own. At present, there are eight book vending machines in GISD schools.
In the automotive program, students are building an electric vehicle, and the foundation has been able to support this project through a sustaining grant. The program has no curriculum, so students are learning by trial and error. To date, we believe GISD is the only district in Texas with a program like this.
Community Involvement
We believe public education is the foundation of our community. Through supporting innovative learning in our schools, our students, teachers and greater community benefit. Our board consists of parents, nonprofit professionals, former teachers and local business owners who pool their time, talent, and resources to support public education. We partner with Chase the Chief, a program of the Georgetown Police Department that encourages students to be active and raises money for physical education programs in Georgetown schools.
We believe community engagement enhances the educational experience. Annually, we partner with the district to host the State of the District academic showcase, where the community is invited in to witness what students are learning. We all have an idea of what happens in schools. When we can invite people to see it for themselves, it transforms the way they think about learning. From STEM robotics in kindergarten to culinary arts and aerospace engineering at the high school level, students are getting an education that prepares them for the next level. We’re excited to be part of that by helping to kickstart and/or sustain programs that support future readiness.
How can people get involved and learn more about GEF?
We are also looking for volunteers to join our committees, including grants and marketing. If you are interested in learning more, visit gisdedfound.org.