Who We Are
Mission, Vision & History
Founded in 2012 with a simple conviction: a child's future should never be defined by their zip code or background.
Founded 2012
Kent, Washington
Our Founding Story
How It All Started
Founded in 2012, the Kent Schools Foundation is guided by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors who share a deep passion for education and a powerful belief: a child's future should never be defined by their zip code or background.
We are united by the conviction that strong, vibrant, and supportive public education is the key to unlocking every student's potential. Through the generosity of private donors and community partners, we work to break down barriers, open doors, and ensure that every student in the Kent School District has the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
What began as a grassroots effort by a small group of committed community members has grown into the district's premier educational foundation — awarding nearly $100,000 per year across 39 schools.
Our Mission
“Building a bridge to an equitable future through innovative learning opportunities for all students in the Kent School District.”
Our Vision
Strong Schools Start with
Strong Communities
Strong public schools are the result of strong community collaboration and investment. The Kent Schools Foundation brings together parents, teachers, businesses and community leaders to enrich school environments and to support students needing extra help.
We strive to bridge the shortfall between basic funding provided by the State of Washington and what is truly required to bring educational excellence to every child, in every classroom, every day.
We envision a Kent School District where every student — regardless of zip code, background, or circumstance — has access to innovative learning experiences and the financial support to pursue education beyond high school.
What We Believe
Our Seven Pillars of Belief
These beliefs are not slogans — they are the principles that guide every grant decision, every partnership, and every conversation we have on behalf of Kent students.
Prepare
Education is the foundation to successfully prepare all students for their futures.
Access
All students should have access to challenging, supporting and uplifting educational experiences.
Innovation
Delivering the best public education requires innovation and equitable resource allocation.
Right
Every student has the right to the best education available within a supportive public school system.
Engage
Engaged families, communities, and businesses can create enriching school environments.
Support
Private financial support is a primary catalyst to bridging academic and opportunity gaps.
Worth
We believe in the individual worth of every child and that each one's unique gifts are to be recognized, nurtured and celebrated. No child is invisible to us.
Our Journey
A History of Impact
From a founding idea to a record-breaking $98,000 in a single year — here is how we got here.
Get Involved
Join Us in Building Brighter Futures
Every dollar donated, every hour volunteered, every business that partners with us moves us closer to the vision: a Kent School District where every student has what they need to succeed.