Mission

• To acquire and distribute resources to the Laurel Highlands School District for the programs and projects aimed at enhancing, enriching, or supplementing learning opportunities for students, staff, and community.

About The Foundation

• The Laurel Highlands Academic Foundation founded spring 1996, is a non-profit organization formed by friends of the Laurel Highlands School District. 
• The goals of the volunteer Board of Trustees, are but not limited to provide resources for additional enrichment activities, resources for unique student learning needs, and extend the opportunities for quality education for students of the district by fundraising, charitable individual and corporate contributions and student scholarships.

Financial Information

• The Foundation is a not-for-profit organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
• The Foundation was formed to acquire and distribute resources for the benefit of students in the Laurel Highlands School District for programs and projects aimed at enhancing, enriching, and supplementing learning opportunities.
• Since its inception, the Foundation has raised over $180,000 through donor contributions and fundraising activities. As of June 30, 2004, the Foundation has unrestricted assets of approximately $60,000, and assets permanently restricted for scholarships in excess of $32,000.

Programs Funded By The Foundation

• Outreach Programs such as Touchstone Center for the Arts and Crafts

• Artist/Author in Residence Program for the elementary grades

• Annual Community Spirit Day

• SAT workshops for high school students to improve scores

• The development of a lending Kindergarten Library in all elementary schools

• Shakespeare In Schools Program

• Opera In Schools Program

• Family Reading Night

• Mini-Grant Programs for teachers to develop new innovative projects and programs

• The Foundation wishes to help motivate students in the Science areas by providing equipment and materials in the elementary schools, such as five anatomical teaching torsos and a Flexcom Micro Video Camera, microscope and equipment for the high school, such as an Analytical Balance Nuclear Science Lab and Visual Spectrum

Special Programs sponsored by the Foundation are Community Spirit Day and The Sweet Theatre.

How the Foundation Works

• A volunteer Board of Trustees who, is dedicated to serving the goal of educational excellence, governs the Foundation.
• The Trustees operate independently from the Laurel Highlands School District Board of Education.
• They are responsible for determining guidelines for project funding, selecting targeted projects and raising and dispersing funds.

Community Participation

• Many opportunities exist for the community to become actively involved with the Academic Foundation. We welcome workers to help with our various programs and projects.
• To become involved, visit our Central Administration Building. Your time and ideas are welcome.

With your help. the Foundation can provide those additional opportunities that assure an  excellent education.

Academic Foundation Board of Trustees

• Fred Bonchosky
• Robin Breakiron
• Carol Bubonovich
• Gary Carter
• Jim Conway
• James Custer
• Kathleen DeHaas
• Inez Felix
• Judy Gallis
• James Grimm
• Joe Mollica
• Randy Mundel
• Toni Regula
• Linda Rooker
• Aimee Shoaf
• Lori Sikora
• William Simpson
• Vickey Smalley
• Vince Soom

Board Representative

• James Tobal

District Representative

• Dr. Ronald M. Sheba

Recording Secretary

• Kim Pegg

Student Representative 2007-2008

• Emily Merti
• Michael Ianamorelli

Tax Deductible contributions can be made to:

Laurel Highlands Academic Foundation

304 Bailey Avenue

Uniontown, PA 15401

(724) 437-2821

c/o Academic Foundation - Jeff McCabe