St. Louis Public Schools Foundation

Working in close collaboration with SLPS leadership, the Foundation prioritizes investment in academic and social support programming to ensure students are ready, engaged, and on track. The St. Louis Public Schools District is the largest district in the state, with 61 one schools, over 19,000 students and 4,000 educators and staff spanning from Pre-K through high school. The SLPS student population includes: 88% students of color and 12% white students; 100% of SLPS students qualifying for free/reduced lunch under the Community Eligibility Program; 11% of students qualifying for English for Speakers of Other Languages Services with more than 50 languages spoken. 14% of students receiving special education services (provided by the District) and 20% of students experience homelessness.

The SLPS Foundation invests its funds to three key areas shown to maximize student success: student and educator health and wellbeing, post-secondary opportunity (starting with our youngest learners in Pre-K), and talent capacity.

Student Well-Being: We know students thrive when their basic and developmental needs are met, and we seek to embed capacity for direct service supports in high-need schools throughout the district, especially in the wake of growing student mental health needs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the pandemic, 75% of public schools have reported an increase in student mental health needs, but only 56% report having the expertise and resources to effectively support students (Institute of Education Sciences).

Post-Secondary Opportunity: We know that college- and career-readiness begins during pre-Kindergarten years. Early interventions are essential to post-secondary success. Research suggests that classroom-based Early Childhood Education (ECE) yield long-term benefits, including significant decreases in likelihood of special education placement, increased grade retention, and higher graduation rates (McCoy et al., 2017). Nationally, only 68% of high school graduates immediately enroll in postsecondary institutions. Post-secondary education helps students to gain access to quality jobs, earn sustainable wages, feel a sense of economic security, and obtain career advancement opportunities (Kaiser Permanente Thriving Schools).

Talent Capacity: Recent regional and national surveys reveal the lowest job satisfaction ratings for educators ever recorded, with 79% of teachers indicating dissatisfaction in their current professional role, and over 50% of MO teachers considering leaving the profession (The American Federation of Teachers, The MO State Teachers Association). As a result, the academic achievement and attainment of students decreases.By recruiting, developing, and retaining the impact of effective educators, students can engage and achieve at high levels (American University School of Education).