Conference Focuses on Continued Support for Education Access
More than 20 representatives from five Learning Communities gathered at USA Funds®’ headquarters in Indianapolis March 18-20 for the third annual Learning Communities Initiative Conference.
USA Funds and Scholarship America helped spearhead the development of the Learning Communities initiative, which includes a coalition of organizations focusing services on five communities to improve access to postsecondary education for low-income students. The five communities include:
The conference provided an opportunity for Learning Communities participants to interact with representatives of other communities, discuss best practices, and attend sessions about how to make their Learning Communities successful. Participants also planned for the upcoming year.
Focus on sustainability
A main focus of the conference was sustainability, with attendees learning from experts in this field how best to raise funds to support educational success in their own communities. Sandra Emanuel, president, S. Emanuel & Associates and Ryan Brady, senior donor services adviser, Central Indiana Community Foundation, were keynote presenters at the conference.
Emanuel provided information about developing an effective board. Her organization works with nonprofit organizations to help them enhance their board governance, leadership and strategic planning. Brady shared tips on developing and sustaining funding relationships.
“Receiving the information from experts gives me a high sense of confidence that I can apply what was shared,” says Brandon Protas, Learning Community partnership coordinator, Sunnyside Unified School District. “I am better equipped to apply the sustainability tools and was impressed with the knowledge and skills of the presenters.”
USA Funds’ continued support for the Learning Communities will help fund the communities’ use of key early awareness, preparation and motivational programs from USA Funds and from Scholarship America. Among these USA Funds and Scholarship America programs are:
USA Funds’ grants also will support program coordinators in each community to oversee programming and serve as a liaison between the community and Learning Communities partners.
“The conference was a great opportunity to bring together our Learning Communities representatives and share ideas and best practices,” says Bob Ballard, USA Funds senior vice president, program and corporate development. “We had an outstanding group of speakers and presenters who taught the skills necessary for our Learning Community members to go back to their communities and build upon their accomplishments and ensure that the Learning Communities will be sustained for years to come.”