What is the I.D.E.A. Foundation of Colby
The I.D.E.A. Foundation of Colby, Inc. is a non-profit organization formed under the Internal Revenue Code chapter 501-c-(3). It is I.D.E.A.'s intent to develop supportive community and private sector relationships within the boundaries of the Colby School District.
The I.D.E.A. Foundation works with educators and students to further support and maintain educational excellence, both in the public and parochial schools located in the Colby School District and for students furthering their education.
Mission Statement
The primary goal of the Foundation is to be a partner of educational institutions located within the boundaries of the Colby School District. The Foundation will secure resources from foundations, corporations, businesses and individuals, to be used to support programs for which funds are not available from federal, state and local public sources. These programs will further enhance the quality of education in this area.
What are I.D.E.A.’s goals?
- To enhance academic excellence by providing funding not available through public sources.
- To better inform the community about the strengths and innovative educational programs offered by the public and parochial schools.
- To provide scholarships to students attending schools within the boundaries of the Colby School District to further their education.
- To encourage community and business involvement in the academic achievements of students in a positive and supportive manner.
How funding will be appropriated
- Funds will be distributed through a Grant Program for Teachers. This program allows grants up to $2,500 to be awarded to educators for the implementation of innovative ideas in the classroom for which adequate federal or state school funding is not available. The grant program also provides recognition to teachers for creative endeavors in the classroom. The process increases community interaction with schools by involving individuals from the community in the grant review process.
- Funds will be distributed through a Student Scholarship Program. This program allows scholarships to be awarded in $500 increments to students attending schools within the boundaries of the Colby School District who are looking to further their education. The number of scholarships awarded will be relative to the amount of funding raised for that purpose.
How you can help
One of the unique qualities of the I.D.E.A. Foundation is that it allows people from all sectors to become involved in the support and improvement of the quality of education. The quality of life and economic prosperity of this area and this nation are dependent upon educational excellence.
Volunteers are needed to serve on several committees, including the Fundraising Committee, Grant Review and Scholarship Award Committee, Audit Committee and the Publicity Committee.
If you are interested in serving as a volunteer on a Foundation committee, contact Todd Schmidt at 223-1763 or e-mail him at tschmidtnews@charter.net, or contact Connie Gurtner at 223-4435 or e-mail her at clerk@cityofcolby.org
