Founded in 1986, the Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation is a non-profit organization that works closely with the Papillion-La Vista School District to enhance the educational opportunities for our children by offering opportunities and activities that would not be possible if only tax dollars were available.

The Foundation reaches out to staff, parents, alumni and the community to create the financial and supportive resources needed to augment the over educational experience of the Papillion-La Vista children. More than $1 million has been provided by the Foundation for the benefit of the children, staff and families of our school district.

The Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, operates under the direction of a Board of Directors consisting of 30 volunteers. Close ties to the School district ensure careful review and consideration of all projects sponsored by the Foundation.

The annual golf tournament raises funds from the community to assist in financing the many projects sponsored by the Foundation.  The 23rd Annual Golf Tournament will be held Friday, June 12th, 2009, at Eagle Hills Golf Course.

A summary of the programs the Foundation financially supports includes the following:

Kids Club School-Age Child Care Program:  Kids Club meets the unique child care needs of school-age children by offering a safe, reliable and fun childcare program at each elementary school in the Papillion-La Vista School District.  Kids Club serves kindergarten through sixth grade before and after school and all day on in-service days.

Kids club offers a fun and dynamic program during the summer for the school-age child.  Exciting field trips, great learning experiences, time with friends and free play are all a part of the summer experience.

Grants Program:  The Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation Grant Program was established to encourage unique and innovative ideas that will improve the educational process and enhance the learning experience of students in the district. The Foundation provides $100,000 each year for the grants program for the school district.

Priorities are given to grant applications which:

• Demonstrate innovative and effective ways to meet student’s needs
• Pioneer new approaches, instead merely repeat a previous project
• Increase student adjustment, interest, and motivation to learn
• Programs that are piloted for future implementation throughout the district
• Programs that are cooperative ventures among schools
• Benefit a large number of students

Alumni Association for Papillion-La Vista Schools: the Foundation is re-activating the Alumni Association and is looking for alumni who would be interested in helping design the future progress of the Alumni Association for their friends and colleagues.  Please see the Alumni web page.

Summer Library is provided by the Foundation for four elementary school libraries to be open once a week for six weeks during the summer.  All Papillion-La Vista children are invited to participate in the summer library program and may check-out books for summer reading.

Scholarships for Graduating Seniors: each year the Foundation provides fourteen $1,000 scholarships to seniors graduating from the Papillion-La Vista School District.

Junior High Tutoring is offered after-school four-days a week at both junior high schools.  The Foundation provides the funding for teaching staff to work with junior high students to provide the extra help that may be needed.

Outdoor Education offers all sixth grade students an exciting curriculum, in an outdoor setting, at the Eastern Nebraska 4-H camp.  The students spend two days and one night learning about the outdoors and acquiring a greater understanding of nature.  There is no cost to the parent because of the financial support offered by the Foundation.

UNO Cooperating Scholarships for Teachers: the Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation provides a matching grant to the UNO Cooperating Teacher Scholarship which assists teachers in furthering their education at UNO.

Employee Recognition: the Papillion-La Vista School District has an exceptionally committed and talented staff who are committed to the education of our children.  The Foundation regularly recognizes outstanding staff members for their dedication.

In addition to the programs fully funded by the Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation, the Foundation also provides financial support for District Activities including:

Post Prom and Graduation Activities, Old Portal School Visit, Vehicle Day, TeamMates, Cooperation BEST, Reach for Success Mentoring, School to Career Academy Scholarships and Career Fair activities are all sponsored by the Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation.