Established in 1987, the Issaquah Schools Foundation (ISF) drives resources district-wide to help students reach the promise of their potential. ISF serves Issaquah School District (ISD) students living in the cities of Issaquah, Sammamish, Newcastle, Bellevue, and Renton and strives to create limitless opportunities that inspire students on their personal path to success.

 

The organization which began as a parent-led, grassroots effort to replace an old, tattered kindergarten rug, has raised over $13 Million for student resources and programs since its formation and serves approximately 19,000 students attending 27 schools. ISF has become an integral part of the community landscape as ISD schools have grown in both numbers and diversity.

Public schools receive funding from multiple sources. State & federal funds, local bonds and levies, and individual school support (PTSA, ASB, Boosters…) often have restrictions on how their funding can be applied to public education. When unfunded or underfunded student needs and opportunities emerge, ISF is uniquely positioned to make a significant impact. Private donations allow ISF to be responsive, flexible, and nimble while collaboration with ISD creates an opportunity to serve more students in multiple schools across the district. In recent years, significant Foundation investments have been made in the areas of academic support, academic enrichment, behavioral & mental health, basic student needs, teacher grants, and inclusive community outreach.

ISF-funded academic support and enrichment increase student engagement. Tailored academic support programs at elementary, middle, and high school levels build confidence and provide equitable access to support outside the classroom, while funding for clubs such as robotics, DECA, and fine arts programs foster individual interests and empower students to pursue future goals. This past year, the Foundation also funded over $80,000 for teacher grants that seed innovation, inspire new programs, and introduce new ways to connect students to their learning.  

For students to be ready to learn, their basic needs must be met. Each fall, ISF’s Tools4School program partners with the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank and ISD to deliver roughly 1,000 backpacks and school supply kits to students in every school in the district. ISF also helps support breakfast pilot programs across the district for students experiencing food insecurity, understanding that a nutritious breakfast allows students to start the day ready to learn. Additionally, ISF believes in the importance of providing behavioral and mental health support for students. By funding Youth Mental Health First Aid and Forefront Suicide Prevention Training for ISD staff, ISF equips those working closest to our students with the essential skills to identify, support, and respond to challenges BEFORE they become a crisis. 

 

Donors and sponsors empower ISF to convert donations and volunteer hours into programs, resources, and opportunities that fuel student success!

How can you engage with the Issaquah Schools Foundation to support local students this year? Step Up for Kids this fall with the Issaquah Schools Foundation. Dollars raised early in the school year expedite the delivery of new programs and resources for students. Looking to connect with friends and neighbors? Register for Monster Mash 5K in late October and enjoy a festive chip-timed walk/run along Lake Sammamish. Come March, celebrate the impact you have helped make by attending Nourish Every Mind Student Showcase. During this luncheon event held at the Issaquah Community Center, you will hear directly from student speakers and exhibitors as they share how your support of ISF made a difference in their educational journey! 

Strong schools build strong communities. Learn more about the Issaquah Schools Foundation at: www.isfdn.org