FWCS Foundation
The purpose of the FWCS Foundation is to generate and distribute financial resources to and for Fort Wayne Community Schools in support of the Mission and Vision. The Mission of FWCS is to educate all students to high standards enabling them to become productive, responsible citizens. The Vision of FWCS is to be the school system of choice and a source of community pride. The core of the Foundation’s existence is its desire to see FWCS achieve and maintain academic excellence, striving to eliminate the achievement gap among all groups of students by maximizing the achievement of all.
FWCS Foundation Mission:
To ensure FWCS has the funds, resources and relationships to provide enhanced educational opportunities for all students to become successful, productive citizens.
FWCS Foundation Vision:
For all FWCS students to have equity, access and excellence to empower them in becoming confident leaders.
The Fort Wayne Community Schools Foundation generates and distributes financial resources to support FWCS in achieving its mission to educate all students to high standards enabling them to become productive, responsible citizens. It is legally separate from FWCS and is recognized by the IRS as exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Donations to the FWCS Foundation will be used to support educational programs, like b Instrumental, that are proving to be successful. The b Instrumental program provides musical instruments to middle and high school students. Donations may also be unrestricted to fund innovation in new programs or educational tools that have the potential to help FWCS achieve academic improvements.
Request for Proposal
Business Plan for The Early Learning Center
The FWCS Foundation has created a nonprofit alliance of community agencies and educational institutions dedicated to providing comprehensive, high-quality early learning and family support services to parenting teens, their children and the economic development community through the creation of a pool of expert early learning practitioners.
We are seeking proposals from highly qualified professional services providers to lead the development of a comprehensive business and operating plan for a newly established Early Learning Center.
To respond, please click below:
Thank You Major Sponsors:
Chuck and Lisa Surack
Sweetwater Sound, Inc.
The Auer Foundation
Ambassador Enterprises
The James Foundation
White Lodging
Tim and Libby Ash Foundation
AWS Foundation
English Bonter Mitchell Foundation
Parkview Health
ProFed Credit Union
Wilson Foundation
Yergens Rogers Foundation
Foundation Board Members
Tom Trent - President
Kathy Rogers -- Vice President
Ellen Cutter -- Secretary
Mike Cahill - Treasurer
Madeleine Baker
Brian Bauer
Clifford Clarke
Carrie Gutman
Ron Howard
Jill Kinder
Kathy Rogers
Dr. Mark Daniel - Ex-Officio
Noah Smith -- Trustee Advisor
Mitch Sheppard - Executive Director
“If I hadn’t started playing a music instrument, there would be no Sweetwater.”
Chuck SurackFounder and CEO of Sweetwater, graduate of Wayne High School
Music, the gift that gives back
FWCS is making great progress in improving academic achievement and the Foundation Board works to ensure it is adequately funded to continue its success. Funds raised are used to invest in innovative programs that further increase academic results. The Foundation Board most recently raised funds for the "b Instrumental" program, which provides musical instruments to students in grades 7-12 also provide small group instruction and summer music camps for students.
The b Instrumental program was created to expand the number of students who have the opportunity to play a musical instrument. Research shows studying music benefits students’ cognitive and social development. The over 400 students now participating in the program have better attendance, higher test scores and fewer discipline issues than other students.
To learn more about this amazing program, please visit b Instrumental or contact Program Manager Bruce Schneider
Support music education in Fort Wayne and say, “I’m with the Band!”