Education

Everyone’s life, regardless of age, can be enriched by quality education. Preschool children need to be ready to learn. Children need a broad education in the basics but also in areas that will inspire them to a lifetime of learning. And our schools need quality teachers to teach quality education.

Every public high school student is required to complete a community project. Many projects are easily executed without a need for funding (creating websites, promoting a community event, coaching youth athletics etc…) but sometimes, a good idea requires supplies and/or materials. Initial funding to support this important program was exhausted in 2011 and needs to be replenished. Fund requests undergo a rigorous process and projects benefit both the students and our community.

The Culinary Arts program needs books and specialized equipment. This is a one-time expenditure. Funding for consumables is provided through student fees and the Culinary Arts budget. Money from the sale of baked goods and other products is used to purchase more ingredients and supplies.

Island Stage Left performs at several different venues and set-up for each performance requires the coordination of many hands and a lot of equipment. One of the more challenging elements has been the audience riser system which over time has molded, rotted and needed ongoing work to maintain safety.

The acquisition of safe, stable, easily transported and set up audience risers is a long term capital investment in Island Stage Left performances.

The San Juan Pilots Association has established the John Volk Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation to provide financial assistance to students pursuing a career in aviation related field.

The SJCIF Music Fund was endowed by the founders of the former Friday Harbor Jazz Festival for use in the continuing support of the Friday Harbor Schools music educational programs.

The SJCIF Career Training Scholarship program provides scholarship and program awards for education and certifications for those pursuing a career path outside of a traditional, four-year college curriculum.

The Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy program provides in-classroom teaching about the role, benefits and personal satisfaction derived from personal giving. The Fund provides an opportunity for local students to evaluate, select and grant money to a public cause of their own choosing.

The Youth Positive Behavior Program is an expansion of the existing and successful Challenge and Youth Leadership Program. The program is targeted toward students in grades 3 to 8. The participants will develop essential life skills to promote their own physical, emotional/mental and social well-being. The intent is to ultimately enhance their overall health, school and home relationships, as well as their academic performance. They will develop leadership skills by teaching other youth what they are learning.