Strategy to Match Needs & Support (5 of 6)

Beginning in 2015, the Alumni Association expanded its role to include active support of the educational process. The Teacher Grant Program has supported over 100 individual teacher initiatives and contributed directly to our national recognition (top 24 in the U.S.) as an innovator in installing STEM concepts to K-12 public education. 

     The ACTION FUND supports NOW activity, repeating its process annually, supported by annual donations from new and veteran alumni. Its importance is growing -- to support educational projects but also to improve teacher retention and morale in an enormously difficult climate. 

      We intend to increase maximum support to $1,000 per project and to provide every teacher a $250 annual stipend for personal skill enhancement; increased help needed. 

We have maintained the ACTION FUND portal as part of Alumni Association infrastructure.  Donation levels range from $5 (new graduates) to $5,000+.

Legacy donor recognition at $10,000 cumulative.

Visit www.UnionCityAlumni.org  browse Activities,  then   Help Us / Financial Support

       The internet era has created a barrage of technology-driven innovations that are, or may become, job-market game-changers. Examples include robotics, artificial intelligence, data science, 3D printing, content development, web-based communication, social media marketing. An etc. etc. is valid here because the possibilities emerge constantly and a major initiative, arrives every three to five years. 

      Some emerging concepts have thin marketplace impact. Some are still beyond the scope of K-12 education; artificial intelligence might be an example. But some are clear game-changers that should not be ignored. On the other hand, an all-out curriculum blitz would be premature because of uncertainty about how to install and support a concept with multiple potential uses.

      Facing that exact challenge, in 2019 Union City schools initiated a modest ($10,000) introduction proposal for 3D printing to be tested at three grade levels. Unrestricted funds could not be found, delaying for at least 18 months the launch of a process that will allow our students to learn about technology that is predicted to deliver millions of jobs.  

      This experience is motivational for any supporter of public education. It is not a fatal blow, but we lost important time and the risk increases of being sidetracked by the arrival of new priorities.  If unaddressed longer term, it would represent a major gap in our curriculum and a resultant lack of competitiveness for students.

       GOAL: A constantly available fund in the range of $75,000 to support up to three experiments in the same year. 

      RANGE OF GIFT:  $10,000 - $50,000, legacy donor recognition

       ACTION STEP: Complete our Exploration form (Contact Us page) to arrange follow-up discussion about your interests, goals and ideas.

       The IMPACT FUND goes to work when the decision is made to actively deploy new technology, teaching methods or infrastructure in the curriculum or infrastructure. Our 3D printing case provides a real possibility.  Individual units might be deployed in 2-3 classroom settings, then a major teaching lab established in conjuction with Apache Design, Union City's student run DECA company that manufactures and sells items such as promotional shirts, hats and glassware. A host of 3D produced products are possible, expanding learning experiences in marketing research, design, manufacture, sales, customer service and administration. 

         Range of cost might be $75,000. - $150,000

         Impact of Investment, range of ten years.

         Enormous potential value for students in the 2020s marketplace. 

      As we planned the August 2020 introduction of the Foundation we did not imagine that a gigantic challenge might lie before us, immediately. It is now clear that adjusting to the Pandemic will involve whole new teaching skills and methods, in-school physical and environmental changes. and remote communication infrastructure. The list is daunting and without doubt raises new questions of teacher morale as well as effectiveness. 

       No school in the state was prepared. Outside funding will be thin in relation to the need. 

       We will be encouraging talks about initial gifts to the Foundation that can be deployed in a crisis that many fear will change the delivery of public education far into the future. 

   GOAL: A constantly available fund in the range of $350,000 - $500,000  to support up to three significant curriculum or infrastructure initiatives each year. 

     RANGE OF GIFT:  $50,000 - $500,000, legacy donor recognition

      ACTION STEP: Complete our Exploration form (Contact Us page) to arrange follow-up discussion about your interests, goals and ideas.

        The VISION FUND aims at whole new focused-education programs. The  need and opportunity flow from the increasing demand for career-focused education at the K-12 level. Randolph County has a live example, initiatied in Winchester: a welding training facility and curriculum that has become a state-sanctioned regional educational program. 

    KISS-TV has existed for years, but was recently revitalized by teacher Brian Merrill. The original founders, Rick Clear and John Schmidt literally begged and borrowed the equipment and space that made it possible. Brian Merrill earned a Randolph County Economic Development grant for $75,000 to achieve today's current level. 

      KEY NOTE: If our Education Foundation had existed then, The Research and Development Fund would have supported a far more robust launch. The IMPACT FUND would have greatly accelerated and strengthened launch. 

      Today, we have a live chance to utilize the VISION FUND.

     The old Kerr Building (Wooters Drug Store), SE corner of Columbia and Pearl is both an eyesore and a metaphor of the impact of the plant closing era. Progressive city leadership has initiated Vision Corner as a downtown anchor and symbol of revitalization. 

      The school has been invited to move KISS-TV studios to Vision Corner along with our DECA company Apache Design. An Internet Cafe will provide public internet asset, a direct assist to the challenge of internet access for all students

     These steps will accelerate an already planned expansion of student epxerience into marketing, business communication, content management and related business infrastructure.  It will also accelerate an early-stage collaboration with the Letterman Center at Ball State in which Union City students can collaborate at the college level.

      Availability of VISION FUND support can greatly accelerate these initiatives. 

     GOAL: Engaged alumni or friends who will help plan and execute the Foundation's participation in major program initiatives.

    LIKELY PROJECT FUNDS LEVELS: $250,000 to $500,000. frequency, 3-5 years. 

     RANGE OF GIFT:  $50,000 - low seven figures, legacy donor recognition

     ACTION STEP: Complete our Exploration form (Contact Us page) to arrange follow-up discussion about your interests, goals and ideas.

     For over 25 years, the Alumni Association has awarded "Encouragement" scholarships as part of the annual Alumni Banquet. Since 2000, approximately $300,000 haas been awarded, most in the amount of $2000. While not enoungh to offset a major share of today's costs of higher education, these scholarships are recognized as a confidence builder and a momentum builder for students taking a next step. This support has included vocationally-based alternatives. 

      This program remains intact, funded by the Alumni ACTION FUND as one the annual projects. It is our hope that increasing alumni support will allow larger individual awards. 

     For over 60 years, scholarships have been the primary avenue of support for those with a heart for public school education.  Large dollar donors often utilize an endowment strategy that maintains a principal balance and funds scholarships via earned income. Changing realities in the 21st Century suggest updated analysis of most efficient way to contribute to student success.  

     The efficient use of dollars is crucial throughout the issue of public school preparation and effective higher education. Individual supporters of public education clearly want to be part of addressing the challenges.  We simply encourage open-minded discussion of alternatives, leading to a plan that fits your goal structure.  We will then assure that your wishes are followed. 

       GOAL: An annually  available fund in the range of $75,000 to augment existing endowed scholarship funds. 

      RANGE OF GIFT:  $10,000 - $250,000, legacy donor recognition

       ACTION STEP: Complete our Exploration form (Contact Us page) to arrange follow-up discussion about your interests, goals and ideas.