WILMINGTON — To most a field trip to places like the zoo or a museum are an everyday occurrence. But to many students in Wilmington City Schools it’s the first time they’ve had a cultural or educational experience outside the city limits.
Since 1988 the Wilmington Schools Foundation (WSF) has provided funding for creative and innovative opportunities that enhance the educational programs that are outside the school’s budget.
This year Wilmington Schools Foundation was able to fund 22 staff grant request for a total just under $21,500. The WSF has funded field trips for elementary, middle school and high school students.
Recently, after an eighth-grade field trip to The Freedom Center in downtown Cincinnati, a student ran to hug her teacher.
When the teacher asked, “Why the the hug,” the young girl replied, ”I never knew how good people could be when helping others to freedom. “And,” she continued, “when we looked across the Ohio River I got to see Kentucky.”
With joy in her eyes she marveled, “I’ve never seen another state.”
WSF just finished up its annual employee gift campaign, which raised $13,650. These funds will go toward Foundation Grants for next year.
Last year 131 employees enrolled in payroll deduction. This year that number increased 7.5 percent to 141. The national average among public institution employee giving campaigns is only 3 percent in total number of payroll deduction gifts.
Their generosity more than doubled the national average, and WSF thanks every staff member that gave to this campaign.
As you make your end of the year charitable contributions please remember the Wilmington Schools Foundation. Your generosity ensures the opportunity for all students of Wilmington City Schools to discover the world in which they live, enhance their educational experience.
Your gift affirms to teachers and students that there is a community of support that cares deeply about providing each and every child the opportunity to have those extra experiences they will never forget.
WSF is part of the “Give Where You Live” campaign through the Clinton County Foundation. Donations can be made through https://ccf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/grant.
