ENGAGE | ENRICH | INSPIRE | CREATE

Connecting School and Community

What We Do

Through its partnership with the community and the Skaneateles Central School District, the Skaneateles Education Foundation drives resources to enhance curriculum and enrich the educational experience of every student.

SEF is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

“Our studio art class visited the Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell through a grant from SEF. It is so important for students to get out of the classroom to experience art created by others and from many periods in history. It opens their minds and gives them something more to work with. This experience gives them a deeper connection to their own work, and their own history.”

Jessica Sawchuk
HS Art Teacher

“We would never have the technology & engineering program we have today if it weren’t for the Skaneateles Education Foundation. SEF funded our 3D printers, robotics and hydroponics programs, and now we are so grateful that our grant for a CNC milling machine has been approved! All our 6th-9th graders will use it, along with our high school Project Lead the Way kids. This is an incredible opportunity to provide hands-on experience with a tool that has real-world applications. This kind of access will really give our students a leg up when they go on to college and beyond.”

Scott Stagnitta & Rob Tuttle
MS/HS Technology & Engineering Teachers

“I love my job. In my wildest dreams I never imagined how much I could love my job, and it’s because every day I get to see kids come to a place where they are learning, exploring, creating, and discovering. And having fun. Thanks to the vision and seed funding from SEF, our Waterman STEM Lab has evolved into a learning environment like no other. Our youngest learners now have the opportunity and resources to learn the foundations of Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Coding and Robotics. They are engaged and confident. Thank you so much for all you do to enhance the lives and learning of our students.”

Mary Arnott, Waterman
STEM Specialist

Since 2009, more than 144 grants funded, totaling more than $470,000.

Through its matching partnership with the Elsa & Peter Soderberg Charitable Foundation, we’ve funneled $180,000 to enrich the STEM Initiative learning program.

Since the Zoom Room Video Lab launch in 2014, our students have created winning videos resulting in a John Lennon Educational Tour Bus visit, first place in the RFK Human Rights Speak Truth to Power Video Contest, and juried slots at the All-American HS Film Festival.

Grants have provided professional learning and training opportunities in hydroponics, Circlesong, self-regulation, the Haiku learning platform, library sciences, Kindergarten development and character education.

 SEF Donor Profile – 38% Parents / 62% Non-Parents

Funding for 15 grants was provided in 2018-19

74% of SEF donors give at a level of $200 or less

Academic Circle patrons ($500+) attend a donor appreciation event

Donate

With your gift to SEF, you are supporting enriched curricula while enhancing programs and initiatives that span all academic disciplines and grade levels. Every student will feel the ripple of your generosity.

Your support at any level is so appreciated. Every gift matters, no matter the size.