Established in 1983 as an independent advisory fund for the Bridgeport Area Foundation, the Bridgeport Public Education Fund works to mentor local youth for success.
The foundation aims to prepare students for higher education and future careers by revitalizing the educational climate in the Bridgeport public school system.
Operating as a non-profit educational organization, the Bridgeport Public Education Fund prioritizes the voices of students and teachers. It is one of the country’s few education funds that recruits students to serve on the board of directors.
Their sponsorship of the Mini-Grants for Teachers program brought community members into schools and enhanced support for classroom projects.
Senior Carolyn Doherty spent her summer working for the fund, promoting their community outreach and Mentoring for Academic Achievement and College/Career Success (MAACS) program.
“Since June, I have had the pleasure of working for the Bridgeport Public Education Fund as a communications intern. My main focus has been to advertise the Campus Ambassador Program, manage the social media accounts and prepare posts to reach our target audience,” said Doherty.
The Campus Ambassador Program is a joint initiative between the fund and the following universities: Sacred Heart University, Fairfield University, Housatonic Community College, UConn Stamford, Southern Connecticut State University, and the University of Bridgeport.
“It has been very rewarding. At first, I was nervous, but when I saw the first application come through for Campus Ambassador, I felt excited and hopeful,” said Doherty. “This organization does so much good, and I wish more people knew about it but luckily that’s my job, so I’ve made it my mission.”
The MAACS program brings university students to Bridgeport high schools through mentorship systems at Bassick High School, Central High School, and Fairchild Wheeler Interdistrict Multi-Magnet Campus.
Pictured are the Teachers Appreciation Week awards from the Bridgeport Public Education Fund.
Faith Villegas has worked for the Bridgeport Education Fund since 2007, starting as the MAACS program coordinator. She became the executive director of the organization in 2018 when the founding director retired after 36 years.
Their College Assistance Program (CAP) began in 2003, working to provide emotional, social, academic, and financial support to high school seniors who have been MAACS participants for at least two years. These programs and opportunities are set up by the Bridgeport Public Education Fund to improve local public education.
“The BPEF represents belief. Belief in mankind, belief in change, belief in community. We, the BPEF staff and board, are dedicated to ensuring that youth have the support and resources necessary to succeed in life,” said Villegas. “Looking ahead, the BPEF will focus on expanding opportunities and partnerships.”
Carolyn Doherty contributed to this article.
