What We Do

Areas of Concentration

USEF exists to help Union Public Schools achieve the goal of graduating 100% of their students, college and/or career ready! This audacious task is achieved through USEF’s investment in five main areas of focus, as outlined by the district’s strategic plan:

Educator & Student Experiences
College/Career Readiness
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)
Early Childhood Education
Community Schools

Sponsor An Athlete with a Donation Today

USEF supports a variety of Student Experiences throughout the district.

Carry the Torch for Union Special Olympics

Each year, students with special needs across the district attend Area and State Special Olympics meets. Union Special Olympians age 8 to 21 years participate in Track and Field and Bocce ball events.

Special Olympics provides our athletes the opportunity to participate in an organized sport, be part of a team, and learn to encourage and support one another. Participation in Special Olympics builds confidence, provides opportunities to develop physical fitness, make new friends and experience the pure joy of competition.

Participation in these meets comes at a cost and your support to “Carry the Torch” for one or more of our Olympians is needed.

By making a financial contribution to the Union Special Olympics team you will become a part of the team. Below are levels of support you can choose from.

$100 - Gold Medal - Provides housing at the State meet, 5 meals, and registration.

$50 - Silver Medal - Provides State meet uniforms and 3 meals not included in registration.

$25 - Bronze Medal - Provides T-shirt for area meet and backpack.

$150 - "Fill the Podium!" - Fully support ONE OLYMPIAN with a Donation of $150!

Student Experiences

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

At Union Schools Education Foundation, we believe in the power of education and the importance of raising the voices of our youth. We strive to provide students with the resources they need to succeed and be successful in their academic and professional pursuits. As part of our mission, USEF proudly supports our Union Student Leadership program with an annual grant. These funds support various high school educational activities. We believe in the power of investing in our future leaders and creating a brighter future for our community.

USEF supports a variety of Educator Experiences throughout the district.

Over $140,000 in innovative educational grants was awarded to Union teachers and educators in the 2023-2024 school year to fund innovative projects, curriculum resources, and other materials needed by Union educators.
New Teacher Induction
Teacher of the Year Celebration
Employee of the Year Award

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2023-24

UNION SCHOOLS EDUCATION FOUNDATION GRANT RECIPIENTS!

USEF FUNDED 160 PROJECTS VALUED AT OVER $140,000 THROUGHOUT THE UNION DISTRICT!

Follow us on social media @UnionFound for award information!

THE 2024-25 GRANT APPLICATION IS

NOW OPEN!

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29th!

APPLICATION LINK

https://usefgrants.awardsplatform.com/

2022-2023 Grant Award Winners

2021-2022 Grant Award Winners

2020-2021 Grant Award Winners

2019 -2020 Grant Award Winners

2018 -2019 Grant Award Winners

Teacher Grants

College & Career Ready

USEF supports College and Career Readiness programs for students as they prepare for college or the workforce.

These funds have allowed students to take ACT prep courses.
USEF funds have also provided students with Caps and Gowns for graduation.
USEF contributions support Career Connect - Union’s Job Shadowing, Apprenticeship, and Service Learning program.
- Balsa kits for the Applied Geometry class to make floor plans
- Shoe covers and hats for Culinary Arts
- Food Handlers permits for Culinary and Early Childhood programs
- Steel-toed boots for Automotive, Manufacturing, and Construction
- OSHA training and cards for students
- Gas cards for students to get to and from their placements
- These financial assists have empowered the program to successfully certify 413 students in a four-year span.

STEM

Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

From engineering a house in kindergarten, to solving a medical mystery in middle school, to a theater stagecraft class that 3D-prints props, the district offers a wide range of STEM opportunities and USEF is here to support their efforts.

STEM at Union Public Schools is a transdisciplinary approach to learning that encourages students to inquire, explore and problem solve.

Union's vision of STEM is driven by four unique design principles, each with its own design features. This framework provides direction for implementation, aids in curriculum and professional development, and drives our district goal of 100 percent college and career ready.

Early Child Education

USEF believes making investments in our youngest children through Early Childhood Education improves academic, health, and social outcomes for the community.

USEF set a goal and now funds district-wide Pre-K Transition Camp at all elementary sites. Pre-K Transition Camp is a summer program that provides incoming Pre-K students with an opportunity to experience “school" before beginning their formal school year. They are introduced to school personnel, peers, and routines of the school day.

This camp also gives teachers the opportunity to develop relationships with the families before school starts, and even help assess needs early for children and families. While children are in programming, parents attend educational sessions on topics such as establishing healthy sleep habits and reading with children. This program helps ease both the parents’ and the children’s transition to formal schooling.

Community Schools

USEF provides funds to Community Schools for quality, learning-focused experiences they would not otherwise have.

Expanded learning opportunities are a critical component of the Community School strategy, offering quality, learning-focused programming at the school site. When the final bell rings and the school day comes to an end, it marks the beginning of an unsupervised and unstructured time for many children.

Staff and community partners work together to mentor and teach students in much smaller groups compared to the school day, and as a result, students gain valuable social, academic, professional, and additional life skills.