Great Valley Education Foundation Launches Annual Campaign

MALVERN, PA — The Great Valley School District Education Foundation (GVSDEF) is kicking off its annual campaign to raise funds for programs like CPR training and provide access to learning that isn't included in the School District budget.

The Foundation's goal is to support educational excellence for all 4,600 students in the Great Valley School District. The theme for this year's annual campaign is "Making Great Valley Greater."

The Foundation funds Venture Grants for teachers to provide classroom programs and gives access to the best opportunities in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math), provides critical support to GVSD students and families in need through the Good Neighbor Program, and gives scholarships for college-bound students.

The GVSDEF brings creative and innovative programming to the students while building bridges between the school district and the community, the Foundation explained.

"The Great Valley Education Foundation helps bridge what is in Great Valley with what's possible. Our donations to The Foundation enable educational, cultural, and wellness initiatives not normally covered by the District's budget, but critical to many students and families in Great Valley. We believe that the more support the Foundation receives, the more enriching the Great Valley experience can become for all students," said Amy Chain, Great Valley School District School Board of Directors, GVSDEF Board Member and alumna of GVHS Class of 1999.

Each year, the Education Foundation works with the Great Valley School District teachers and administrators to identify programs that will have a deep and meaningful impact on the students. Last year, every GVHS student received training in CPR — the life-saving first aid procedure.

One GVHS student who took the training was able to use the CPR skills she learned in a public pool setting.

Chair of the GVSDEF Board of Directors Stephen Skoufalos said, "I am committed to the GVSDEF because of my strong belief in public education and helping our children. We strive to impact the education of every student, every day, by making each investment meaningful and thoughtful. Our relationships within our community impact our students, opening doors and partnerships. Community partnerships are the key to strong schools. As a board member, I’ve been moved by the community’s consistent generosity and dedication to excellence in education."

"I'm confident that during the Annual Campaign this generosity will allow the Foundation to continue to support the students and teachers of the Great Valley School District. When you bring together visionary educational leadership, an innovative district, strategic partners, committed teachers, students, dedicated volunteers, and a community of donors you can truly make exceptional education extraordinary," Skoufalos added.

The Great Valley School District Education Foundation has provided over $1.2 million dollars in resources impacting the education of Great Valley School District students since 2011. To support the work of the foundation, donations can be made online at GVSDEF.org.

The Great Valley School District Education Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit that seeks to attract private resources to support programs and initiatives in support of the Great Valley School District. Through effective solicitation and distribution of funds, the Great Valley School District Education Foundation helps enable the District to continue to be a model of educational excellence.

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