FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – (July 5, 2022) 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 to help equip students with the essential supplies they’ll need for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year.
“Last year, more than 41,000 students in 69 schools in our community benefited from Broward Education Foundation’s School Supply Drive,” said Jean McIntyre, board chair of Broward Education Foundation. “We remain incredibly focused on meeting the shifting needs in education within our local communities and are grateful for the many community partners who either donate supplies, funding or sponsor a classroom.”
Prior to the pandemic, more than 200,000 students in Broward County Public 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. Three students in four 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.
“With nearly 76% of children in Broward County Public Schools living in poverty, the demand for basic school supplies remains high,” said Shea Ciriago, CEO 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.”
Local businesses are encouraged to collect school supplies which can be dropped off at Broward Education Foundation’s School Supply Center in Pompano Beach, 2300 W. Copans Road, Suite 5, or arrangements can be made for donations to be picked up. Financial donations are also welcome, and any amount goes a long way. In fact, a gift of just $10 safely equips one student 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, 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, and responding to the Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy, Broward Education Foundation initiated a GoFundMe, 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 Broward Education Foundation, email BEFInfo@browardschools.com, like or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
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Media contact:
Diana Hanford
561-309-4136
954.776.1999, ext. 230
dhanford@piersongrant.com
