Early in 1983 several people from Lafayette, Tippecanoe and West Lafayette schools had a dream…a vision of enhanced opportunity for students and teachers through a privately funded organization.  Thanks to the diligent efforts of these volunteers, the Public Schools Foundation of Tippecanoe County, Inc. was formed in 1985.

The mission of the Foundation is to promote excellence in education and encourage classroom innovation by providing grants in academics and the arts for teachers in the public schools of Tippecanoe County.  The Board of Directors consists of 15 members equally representing all three school corporations.

A teacher grant program, which initiated in 1987, has given $420,000 directly to local educators.  Hundreds of teachers and thousands of students and parents have participated in special activities made possible through our funding.  Many grants provided resources that are still in use.  Ideas continue to be shared across classroom, school and corporation boundaries and at professional meetings.

The Foundation fundraising efforts consist of a Polar Bear Plunge in February, an annual fund drive culminating in a phone-a-thon in October, our Honor an Educator program, and contributions from individuals and businesses.  The Foundation has been fortunate to receive substantial financial support from Alcoa Foundation for the past three years, enabling us to award record grant amounts.  Please contact the Foundation office to receive a copy of our 2005 Annual Report.