The New Year is a time for reflecting on the past year and making resolutions for the future. As I’m sure many of you are doing with your loved ones this week, I find myself pondering the past 12 months.

2015 was a landmark year for Schools That Can. Some highlights include:

  • Grew our network from 129 to 149 schools (with 5 more in the application process)
  • Expanded our team, hiring a new Executive Director in Newark and NYC, as well as a part-time Development Coordinator and Communications Intern
  • Launched our new and improved website!
  • Secured game-changing support from the Booth Ferris Foundation, Walton Family Foundation, Generation All, Foundation for Newark’s Future, and more
  • Provided over 200 students with access to a world-class summer STEM experience through scholarships 
  • Ran our 10th annual National Forum, our best yet!
  • We’re now running high quality programming across our 3 staffed cities – NYC, Newark, and Chicago – facilitating multiple professional learning groups who meet monthly, as well as our first ever leadership development cohort

image5Young Engineers show off their “Glowing Faces” during their makerspace

Though we have accomplished a lot, we have much to strive for in 2016. Here are just a few of the many things we are looking forward to:

  • Hosting our first ever Benefit: A Tribute to Lena Horne on January 11 in NYC. Tickets are still available. Buy them today or add your name to the waitlist to be eligible for donated tickets!
  • Growing our networks and impact in Pittsburgh and St. Louis with part-time on-the-ground support
  • Supporting the integration of i2 STEM courses into schools’ curricula through the STC – i2 Learning Immersion Program
  • Facilitating our first “e2e Fair” in Newark where we’ll bring together local high schools and industries to build partnerships that will bridge the gap between education and employment
  • Presenting our 3rd Annual RFK Urban Education Awards during our “Ideas Day” at NYU on Saturday, June 11

Thank you for your support – whether you are a participant in our local programming, a loyal attendee at our National Forums, a board member, a donor, an advisor, or just an ally, we are so grateful to you.

Schools That Can began as a grassroots organization – for schools, by schools. Though we have grown our team and infrastructure a bit in recent years, we are still driven by you. We are here to serve and support you.

Thanks for all that you do to expand quality urban education and close the opportunity and skills gap for deserving students across our nation.

HNY2
Your partner in education,

Casey Lamb
National Director of Growth