Submitted by Westfield Education Foundation
Today, the Westfield Education Foundation (WEF) joins the Indiana Association of Public Education Foundations (INAPEF) and education foundations across the state in celebrating the Annual Indiana Public Education Foundation Day, recognized each year on the second Tuesday of February.
This statewide initiative honors the important role public education foundations play in supporting academic achievement, student well-being, and future readiness.
Education foundations raise private support for local school district initiatives that public funding does not cover. While each foundation’s mission reflects the needs of its community, all share a commitment to supporting students and staff while creating innovative opportunities that help students learn, grow, and prepare for future success.
“The Annual Indiana Public Education Foundation Day marks an exciting milestone,” INAPEF Board President Justin Hirnisey said. “We celebrate the incredible work of education foundations across Indiana, whose efforts provide students with the tools, resources, and experiences to achieve their dreams.”
This year’s recognition is especially meaningful in Westfield, as the WEF celebrates its 40th anniversary of supporting Westfield Washington Schools (WWS). Since 1986, the Foundation has invested in teacher grants, student scholarships, and innovative programs that remove barriers to learning and expand opportunities for students across the district. These investments help ensure students are prepared to graduate Life Ready.
“Our education foundation connects community partners, donors, and volunteers with our schools to meet real needs for students and staff,” WEF Executive Director Ashley Knott said. “Together, we are supporting every Westfield Washington school and helping students learn, grow, and become Life Ready.”
The WEF consistently works to help the district’s educators thoughtfully enhance student learning and experiences. For example, WEF recently raised over $50,000 for classroom grants so WWS teachers can invest in learning tools and initiatives for their students’ benefit. The Foundation was also recently awarded $15,000 by the Hamilton County Community Foundation for further grant funding for Westfield classrooms.
The Foundation will officially kick off its 40th anniversary celebration on March 1, launching a year-long effort to share stories of impact and partnership across the community. Community partners play a vital role in making these opportunities possible for the more than 10,300 students and 1,700 staff members served by WWS.
To learn more about the WEF or make a donation, visit wwswef.org.
As part of this celebration, INAPEF invites everyone to learn more about their local education foundations, support their initiatives, and honor the transformative work these organizations accomplish across Indiana. To explore the nearly 70 public education foundations connected through INAPEF and find one near you, visit INAPEF Member Organizations.