FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – School’s never out for Broward Education Foundation.
The only 501(c)3 charitable organization solely dedicated to serving students and teachers in Broward County Public Schools launched its annual school supply drive with BEFdrive.com to help equip students with the essential supplies they’ll need for the upcoming 2021-22 school year.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 200,000 students in Broward Schools were living in poverty, based on qualification and participation in the National School Lunch Program where students receive meals through school at a discount or for free. And 3 students in 4 arrive to class without the requisite school supplies necessary for learning according to 90% of teachers surveyed by the national non-profit Kids in Need Foundation. Covid drastically increased the need for basic school supplies for children in Broward County schools. For these students, school supplies are a luxury.
“Broward Education Foundation remains incredibly responsive to the shifting needs in education within our community,” said Tim Curtin, board chair of Broward Education Foundation. “Last year, we reimagined our annual Back to School campaign into a fully virtual model to follow health protocols and delivered safely sealed individual basic school supply kits to students throughout the county. It worked so well that we’re continuing this model with even more supplies for each student!”
“Basic school supplies are always in demand, but even more so now,” said Shea Ciriago, executive director of Broward Education Foundation. “It’s vital we do everything in our power to provide students with the tools they need to stay engaged and focused. We are so appreciative of all the individuals and local businesses who step up each and every year to support our resilient students who are so eager to learn.”
Financial donations of any amount go a long way. A gift of just $10 safely equips one student for with the necessities for success. To sponsor an individual student, a class or an entire school please visit BEFdrive.com.
About Broward Education Foundation:
The nonprofit Broward Education Foundation aligns with Broward County Public Schools by providing grants for teachers who develop innovative curriculum that increases student outcomes; vitally needed school supplies for students and teachers in Title I schools; scholarships for qualified high school seniors; and support for programs and initiatives like Debate, Scholastic Chess, TurnAround Arts, STEM and more. Each year, Broward Education Foundation contributes more than $3 million to Broward County schools, serving as the catalyst for educational excellence.
In 2018, responding to the Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy, Broward Education Foundation initiated a GoFundMe campaign, established the official Stoneman Douglas Victims’ Fund and raised $10.5M for victims’ families, survivors and those impacted. Broward Education Foundation is proven agile, adept and responsive to shifting needs in education and our community. For more information, visit browardedfoundation.org, email BEFInfo@browardschools.com, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
