Jefferson Foundation announces
new programs at Love Our Schools Luncheon

April 19,2013-- The Jefferson Foundation’s 4th annual “Love Our Schools” luncheon celebrated the Foundation’s 30th birthday and raised more than $30,0000 in support of the nonprofit Foundation’s programs in Jeffco Public Schools April 19.

The Jefferson Foundation also took the opportunity to announce three new partnerships that will team the Foundation and Jeffco schools with a variety of local and national agencies and organizations to address the county’s growing challenges of poverty, dropout prevention and a well-prepared future workforce.

The Jeffco Prosperity Project (JPP): A partnership with with Jefferson County Human Services and Jeffco Public Schools, JPP will wrap support around low-income families to make sure children graduate high school on time and break generational cycles of poverty.

The Jefferson County Business Education Alliance (JCBEA): A partnership with the county’s workforce centers, economic development corporation, chambers of commerce and Jeffco Public Schools, JCBEA will create new opportunities and resources for classroom teachers, business leaders and students to develop workforce readiness skills for the 21st Century.

Jeffco Parent-Child Home Program (PCHP): Based on a national model program with more than 45 years of success, PCHP Jeffco will provide mentoring, home visitation and resources to help low-income and young parents promote literacy behaviors and become their child’s first teacher. The program has been shown to eliminate income-related achievement gaps among its graduates. “The Parent-Child Home Program partnering with The Jefferson Foundation and Jefferson County Public Schools will benefit students not only today, but throughout their entire lives. It will also help build Jeffco’s future work force,” said event honoree and former mayor of the City of Lakewood Steve Burkholder.

Longtime Jeffco citizens and supporters of Jeffco Public Schools Steve and Anne Burkholder were recognized for their volunteer efforts with the Norma Anderson Lifetime Service Award. “We continue our involvement with Jefferson County Public Schools because we truly believe that its effective educational opportunities are the pathway to success for the young people in our community,” said Anne Burkholder.

At the event, nearly 450 invited guests enjoyed lunch and entertainment by the Wheat Ridge High School’s Jazz Ensemble and the Kyffin Elementary School Choir. Lakewood High School student and 2013 My Student, My Hero honoree Anterra Kennedy shared with guests the joys and successes she’s had as a Jeffco Public Schools student. Anterra has overcome financial hardship and instability to become a prestigious Daniels Scholar, earning a full scholarship to the University of Denver.

For more information about The Jefferson Foundation’s programs or to make a donation to support its work in Jeffco Public Schools, please visit www.jeffersonfoundation.org.

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