PUSD Foundation Supports District Schools With Various Fundraisers

In these economic times, every little bit helps. The Poway Unified School District Foundation helps the district’s schools more than a little, however.

To date, the nonprofit organization has provided more than $1.7 million to support the  K-12 programs.

“The foundation has the ability to provide specific and targeted fundraising efforts to fund things for the district that, especially in these economic times, isn’t able to fully fund,” said Kathleen Porter, executive director of the PUSD Foundation and the director of .

The foundation hosts a variety of fundraisers every year to support its three focus areas: the development of S.T.E.A.M., which stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and math skills; college and career readiness; and rigor, relevance and relationships in the classroom.

Funds raised at the foundation’s fundraisers benefit each of the district’s 38 schools, which serve more than 34,000 students.

“Our goal and vision was always to make sure that district-wide we had partners that would be able to assist us in some of the large district initiatives,” said PUSD Foundation President Toni Kraft. “Every district our size should have a foundation that runs district-wide.”

The foundation was formed out of the district’s program in 2003. Since 1983, Partners in Education has helped “attract, develop, support and sustain strategic relationships among business, community, schools and programs,” according to its website. The program began with four partners and now has more than 200 partners.

“Partners in Education generally takes the money that has been given and directs it to the classrooms and activities that have been targeted,” Porter explained. “Partners in Education is kind of the link between the foundation and the programs that are funded in the district.”

Sony has been one of the district’s partners since 1992. The corporation is considered a “legacy partner,” as it donates more than $30,000 to the district each year.

One of the corporation’s facilities is based in the district, where 36 percent of its employees live, said Kim Rohr, a community affairs specialist with Sony Electronics Inc.

“That’s why we do so much with them,” Rohr said.

A large portion of Sony’s donation is directed toward S.T.E.A.M., Rohr said. Robotics programs are some of the programs that benefit from Sony’s support.

Westview High School’s Robotics Club placed second at the recent CyberPatriot Open Division Finals in Washington, D.C., and .

“S.T.E.A.M. fields are really important, not only to Sony, but to our future,” Rohr said. “It really makes sense for us. We’re happy to be able to support them.”

In addition to funds, Cora Bagley, the coordinator of the program, said Sony offers tours to students and also launched an internship program with the district last summer.

“They’re just so generous about giving to all our schools and sponsoring our programs,” Bagley said.

“Our business partners are there for us,” she said. “You just feel you have their support and that’s important because we wouldn’t be able to do our programs and activities without them.”

Kraft added: “We reach out to our corporate partners and to the business community for a variety of reasons, but the most important is to make sure that our children have an academic edge.”

The foundation is “paramount” to the district, Kraft said.

“I don’t think any foundation, whether it’s site or district, is a luxury in any way, shape or form, but a necessity,” Kraft said. “We are trying to be creative in our fundraising efforts, we’re being proactive in our fundraising efforts and we listen to the voice of our district, our supervisors. It’s necessary to really hear what they have to say.

“As the president, I’m most proud of working hand in glove with Partners in Education.”

One of the foundation’s annual fundraisers, the sixth annual , will take place on May 23 at the Maderas Golf Club in Poway. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit its three objectives. District Superintendent John Collins will be in attendance at the fundraiser.

Porter said the foundation always welcomes support, whether financial or volunteer support.

“We need as many people to participate in supporting programs as possible,” Porter said. “I would just encourage people to get involved in whatever way they can.”

For more information about the PUSD Foundation or to donate, visit powayusd.com/foundation.