From
Prison Prep To College Prep
The
Patricia & Christopher Weil Family Foundation helps
poverty-stricken kids get to college. They find many promising
candidates at the Gompers Preparatory Academy, in southeast
San Diego, which a few years ago was notorious for widespread
violence. At its worst, it was openly called 'a prelude to
prison.' But now Gompers has gone from being the worst-ranked
school in the state to one of academic achievement—it's a
scholastic Cinderella story. .
Leveraging
An Investment
In working with Gompers students and
staff, Chris Weil saw how much time the charter school
director, Vince Riveroll, spent pounding the pavement to raise
funds for essentials. Hiring a professional fundraiser could
make an enormous difference, but more funds were needed to
make this happen. Through San Diego
Grantmakers, the Gary & Mary West Foundation, the Jacobs Family Foundation, and the
Weil Family Foundation partnered together — creating the
dollars to open the fundraising office.
The
Result Has Been Astonishing
In one year, Gompers
raised $700,000. That meant longer teacher hours, Advanced
Placement classes, tutors, computers, parent programs,
extended library hours, a math learning center, and many other
necessities that improved student performance. In just 3
years, standardized test scores have jumped from 541 to
628.
What
Does This Mean About Philanthropy?
"For
our family foundation, it's bonded us together. We see the
dramatic impact we have. That keeps my wife and I and our kids
giving,"says Chris Weil.
"Philanthropic foundations can collaborate to leverage
solutions. When I think of the Gompers school partnership, I
am struck by the huge difference such collaborations can make.
Together, we helped move a school to greatness. It can happen
again and again." |
