The 112 Education Foundation, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, is proud to have played a role in providing excellent educational opportunities for all District 112 students. From the beginning, it has been our goal to provide immediate funding of the important “extras” that are the hallmark of an innovative school system. During our ten year history, we have raised over a half a million dollars to benefit our students. Programming has provided nearly 300 Opportunity Grants for innovative teachers, involved over 3,000 students in community service projects via KICS grants, and enabled our students and their families to learn and enjoy classical music through our partnership with Ravinia Festival. In addition, we have provided over $50,000 for summer school student scholarships.

We face the future with renewed commitment and support for the District’s goals, making advances in the areas of literacy and technology. To improve literacy skills, the Foundation helped to fund authors’ visits and numerous literacy programs at various schools, and we facilitated a private grant for an after-school program at Oak Terrace. To help the District implement the second phase of its technology plan, the Foundation made a $44,000 commitment for new multi-media stations at each elementary and middle school. This state of the art equipment will modernize the way teachers teach and students learn, and improve students’ work product. We are proud to help equip our students with the best technology has to offer.

Of course none of this would be possible without the support of generous community and business donors who believe in investing in our kids. It is through your commitment that the Foundation has been, and will continue to be successful as we begin our next ten years.

A Brief History

The North Shore School District 112 Education Foundation was founded in 1995 by concerned parents, community leaders, school board representatives and District administrators. It continuously seeks out creative, alternative sources of revenue that can be used to help our schools provide an innovative, world-class education for every child in our District.
     The Foundation supports, augments and enriches the outstanding educational process already taking place in our classrooms, but does not assume the role of the school board, raise funds for construction, or hire personnel.
    To fulfill its mission, the Foundation raises money for immediate funding of extra educational programs. With the goal of providing the important "extras" that are the hallmarks of an innovative school system, the Foundation initially conducted a Needs Assessment within the District. From the input it received, the Foundation decided to focus its initial efforts on encouraging and supporting classroom innovation and offering additional academic opportunities to all children in the district, with an emphasis on the development of student scientific and technological skills.
    To begin accomplishing both its immediate and long-term goals, the Foundation launched a citywide awareness and fundraising campaign in 1996 called "The Drive for Education." The initial campaign included a raffle and the inauguration of a special "Plus 25" vehicle sticker program that has become an ongoing effort. Today, the Foundation continues its work by constantly exploring new fundraising ideas and programs to help our schools meet the challenges of providing a superior education.