At Park, we believe that every child deserves to feel known, seen, and heard, and to learn and thrive in a supportive community. We believe that the best education happens when children value and learn from differences in background and perspective, and when they know they truly belong. Watch our new video below to hear from Head of School Scott Young and other Park leaders about the ways in which The SPARK Campaign will help foster a deeper sense of belonging for all at Park through two endowed funds.
Fund for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – $1,250,000 Goal
As we move our diversity, equity, and inclusion goals from aspiration to reality, this robust endowed fund will increase our DEI budget to $80,000+ annually. This increased investment follows the guiding philosophy that how a school spends its money is a reflection of its values.
The revenue from this fund will support:
- Student programming focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Examples include: engaging student-centered, DEI-focused speakers that can connect with the academic curriculum; hosting the annual AISNE Middle School Students of Color Conference
- Establishing an educational speaker series on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the broader Park community
- Community-building events around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, such as additional gatherings for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ families
- Developing a partnership series around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with content experts who will work with Park on an ongoing basis to support DEI initiatives
- Funding future community DEI climate assessments, such as the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Assessment of Inclusion and Multiculturalism (AIM) quantitative survey completed in 2018 and the qualitative assessment completed in 2019 by Diversity Directions
- Hiring consultants to assess and review curriculum, policy development, and institutional practice
- Creating flexibility for additional stipended work for faculty and staff on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion-related projects, as needed
- Greater capacity to respond to emerging needs as they arise
Fund for Educational Testing – $500,000 Goal
The income from this new endowed fund will provide up to five educational evaluations per year for students with learning differences who otherwise could not afford testing, ensuring that economic barriers do not prevent Park families and educators from fully understanding a child’s learning profile and what they need to thrive.
To learn more about the impact of increased access to educational testing, read our conversation with Park teacher Alice Perera Lucey ’77.
Inspired to ignite support for these initiatives, a generous donor has stepped forward to offer $500,000 in matching funds! As we approach this year’s Giving Day on April 14, we invite you to be a spark and multiply your impact through The SPARK Match for Community & Belonging. Together, we will make a transformative impact.
