Our Mission is to invest in an equitable and empowered future for Champaign Urbana by strengthening the community’s commitment to our public schools, teachers, and students.

CU Schools Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization designed to enhance the quality of education in Champaign-Urbana through community support of the public schools. The Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization; our EIN # is 37-1273798

 

Advocates, Allies & Ambassadors for Champaign Unit 4 & Urbana USD 116 schools.

Over the last week, we celebrated the Class of 2026 across @urbana116 and @unit4schools — from Urbana’s ceremony last Thursday to Centennial and Central’s graduations last night. To every graduate: you did it. Your hard work, resilience, and heart brought you to this moment, and your community is so proud of you! Congratulations, Class of 2026 — we can’t wait to see what you do next!! 🎓✨
Last week, Franklin STEAM Academy in Champaign surprised their librarian with the Mann-Hankel Teaching Excellence Award. Kayla Leitschuh had no idea she was nominated and everyone else affirmed she was so deserving. This award recognizes those that exemplify the "Teacher of Excellence Traits" -- Dedication, Integrity, Commitment to every student, Service and Excellence. One nominator states, "Wherever students are at in their personal lives and adolescent journeys, Kayla makes a sincere effort to curate a collection of books that reflect and honor students’ lived experiences." Another said, "Uniquely scaffolded lessons and activities are a core aspect of Kayla’s library, making sure that an accessible and equal opportunity education is provided to all users within the school." Speaking of her students, Kayla says, “I get to see them grow and develop and change into the little future humans they’re going to be. It’s super exciting.” Congratulations, Kayla! We are grateful for all you do to shape this future generation of leaders and scholars. 👏
The Promising Educator Scholarship was established by retired educators from Unit 4 and District 116 and is intended to encourage students to enter the teaching profession. In District 116 the scholarship; Promising Educator-Social Worker Scholarship (named in memory of Michael C. Langendorf ) provides financial assistance to Urbana High School students who plan to pursue a career in education or social work and encourages students to return to work in Champaign-Urbana Schools. This year, we are proud to honor these three soon-to-be graduates from Urbana, Central and Centennial High Schools. This is what their nominators had to say about these future leaders. Kalarah Williams, Centennial "Kalarah engages with the students and she is very natural at knowing their strengths and weaknesses." ~ Betsy Alderman, Teacher in Intro to Education and Education Profession Internship Isabella Marino, Urbana "She has the character, work ethic, and passion to make a real difference in education." ~ Mark Foley, Social Studies Teacher Aubrey Tolbert, Central "She has a wonderful way of meeting each child where they are, offering guidance and encouragement in ways that are both age-appropriate and easy for them to understand. ~ Megan Farkas, Head Educator at CU Create Art Studio Teaching truly is a work of heart. Congratulations to all the award recipients!
Yesterday, we had the privilege of gathering alongside an extraordinary panel of CUSF supporters for a powerful “Community Conversation” hosted by the University of Illinois Foundation and graciously organized by Donna Greene and Katie Blum. Thanks for the invite! From our founder, Anna Merritt, to board leadership, to dedicated Adopt-A-School partners, each voice told a piece of the larger story...how this foundation began, why people choose to invest in public education, and the life-changing impact that happens when a community shows up for its schools. The conversation was filled with passion, reflection, hope, and a shared belief that students and educators thrive when an entire community stands beside them. We all wished we had more time to continue the conversation. What an honor it was to share space with such thoughtful, generous, and inspiring individuals both on the panel and in the audience. Thank you to everyone who attended and continues to champion the students, teachers, and schools of Champaign-Urbana.👏
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