WiSH Foundation receives $100K donation for needed programs

The WiSH Education Foundation received a $100,000 donation this week from the Steve Y. Kim Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the William S. Hart United Middle School District Students provide much-needed services to help those who are underserved and disadvantaged.

In an effort to raise funds for the organization, executive director Amy Daniels got in touch with local businessman and philanthropist Kim, hoping to introduce him to WiSH and what it does for the local community.

Daniels said: "He doesn't know much about WiSH, or we don't have much influence on students and the entire community." "When I shared some of our important plans, especially our response to COVID, he was very surprised."

Hartland provides services to 22,400 students in grades 7-12 in the Santa Clarita River Valley, including 7 comprehensive middle schools and 6 junior high schools, of which 7 are Title-I schools, which have a large number of socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. 

According to the reported data, in 2019, it was reported that 30.8% of the student population in Hart Region was at a socioeconomic disadvantage, of which 6.7% were English learners and nearly 400 were homeless.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, these numbers have increased sharply, and the number of requests for assistance to WiSH and the need to utilize regional food programs illustrate the urgent needs of the program.

In addition to funding school supplies (including library books, microscopes, and art supplies), the WiSH program also includes funding for 11 health centers on campuses in the area, a computer program that distributes more than 11,500 Chromebooks for the needs Of children can complete distance learning and desk plans, providing 187 students with space to work at home.

After learning that one of her students was happy to be able to simply return to campus to be able to work on their desks, she inspired Laurel Priesz, an English teacher at Canyon High School, to think that this demand might be more widespread. 

"Students came back and said that only a chair or table was helpful for their back support because they were lying on the bed, bending over and hurting their back. This made them more focused on school and put the laptop on a laptop. A hard surface and a place to put the books." Price said.

Priesz worked with WiSH and district officials to distribute to students about 100 student desks stored in district warehouses. WiSH then purchased foldable pallet tables and chairs for those who had no space at home.

Priesz added: “It’s great to work with Amy and WiSH because they are mobilizing so quickly.” “We have this idea and we have a desk... Every other weekend, volunteers will come and bring them Put your cars on the cars and drive them to people’s homes. Great." 

With plans like this, Jin’s donations are expected to help raise funds.

Daniels added: "We are very grateful to Mr. King for his generous donation on behalf of his foundation, the Steve King Foundation." "This is a game changer for WiSH, and we support it. We encourage the ability to support our community. Of people to learn more and donate."

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