The Oxford Educational Foundation has been working to help and support the Oxford Area School District and its students since 1995—30 years.

One of the aspects of the work that the Oxford Educational Foundation does is to operate a mentoring program for students in Oxford schools. Mentors meet regularly with their students with the expectation of developing an ongoing relationship that is positive and caring. Since 1995, the Oxford Educational Foundation has placed hundreds of mentors in the Oxford schools. January is National Mentoring Month, a reminder that it’s important for people in the community to help tutor, advise, and guide the next generation.

Mentors make a difference.

“Research shows that mentoring is linked to improved academic, social, and economic prospects for young people, and that ultimately strengthens our community,” said Dr. Raymond A, Fischer, executive director of the Oxford Educational Foundation. 

We’re fortunate to have some good school districts here in southern Chester County, and these school districts all have education foundations working to support students in a variety of ways.

Like the educational foundation in Oxford, the Unionville-Chadds Ford Education Foundation was founded in 1995. This non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization continues to thrive with the support of parents, administrators, teachers, and business and community leaders, and has awarded $380,000 in Education Grants to fund projects in the district’s six schools.

The Kennett Education Foundation has been a partner with the school district since 2001, encouraging innovative ideas, investing in programs that improve academic progress, promoting family involvement and recognizing the outstanding achievements of educators.

 The Avon Grove Education Foundation has formed more recently than a few of the others in this area, but the mission is similar— the Avon Grove Education Foundation works to promote community involvement in public education by channeling donations from businesses, corporations, and individuals to provide an alternative source of funding for teaching and learning.

These education foundations all serve a useful purpose with little fanfare. If you are able to help them with their missions, either by making a financial donation or by volunteering your time and talents, you should. We all have the power to give back.