Founded in 1966, the Carmel Education Foundation (CEF) has been supporting Carmel Clay Schools students in academic achievement and lifelong learning for nearly 60 years.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it is independent of the school systems, yet works closely with teachers, families and the overall district to make sure that the services and resources it provides are appropriate. In its work, the foundation centers on two pillars: classroom readiness and real-world readiness.
Regarding classroom readiness, one way it offers support is by giving grants to teachers and students who have identified something they want to do that’s beyond what they can get in a classroom lesson. For example, students at one of the elementary schools wanted their teachers to get to know their parents better, so they requested funding to host a game night, which saw a huge turnout.
“It’s about looking at ways to provide value or enhanced learning, either inside or beyond a classroom,” says Jennifer Penix, CEF executive director.
When it comes to real-world readiness, they look at achievement at all levels.
“We don’t just focus on the 4.0 student,” Penix says. “We meet every student at their level of need because we want to prepare them for life beyond high school.”
Each year the CEF awards 100 scholarships. Some are for attending a two- or four-year university. Others are for purchasing items needed to go directly into a work environment, such as tools for an automotive job.
The state of Indiana and the Department of Workforce Development is focused on generating education plans to create a pipeline for a prepared workforce. Therefore, the CEF strives to be a part of that.
“We have a fantastic school system with a high graduation rate, but in the last few years we’ve also recognized that college isn’t the only, or sometimes the best, path for our kids,” Penix says. “The problem is they don’t know where else to go, so as a foundation we’ve been working with the district on how to come alongside what’s happening in the classroom.”
The CEF Achieve initiative is a series of programs that prepares Carmel Clay Schools students for their futures, as it focuses on workforce preparedness, financial literacy and self-awareness. Students learn about what kinds of jobs exist in the world that might line up with their skill sets or interests.
“We expose them to things they might not know through hands-on experiences across grade levels,” says Penix, noting that the CEF is the only foundation in the state with such a program.
By the time students graduate, they not only can perform well, but they also know how to perform real-world functions like buying and financing a car.
The CEF has 25 board members and 80 volunteers collectively, all of whom represent different sectors of the community. “Some are presidents of their corporations,” Penix says. “Some are first-time moms. They all have a passion and commitment to public education and are critical to our success.”
The CEF’s big annual fundraiser is Taste of Carmel, which will take place on Friday, March 7. Tickets will go on sale by December 1. The event, which attracts roughly 1,200 attendees, is supported by up to 50 local food and beverage establishments that provide amazing food and drink. There’s also a VIP party and silent auction.
“What’s unique from other galas is that this isn’t a seated, plated dinner,” Penix says. “It’s very social and interactive.”
The theme of the event is “Friday Night Fever: Disco Balls & Basketballs”, which combines the ‘70s with March Madness. Taste of Carmel is open to anybody, not just Carmel residents.
“We have 50 tables to sell, and they sell out within a few weeks,” Penix says.
For more on the Carmel Education Foundation, visit ccs.k12.in.us/foundation. To buy tickets for Taste of Carmel, visit tasteofcarmelindiana.com.
