Binghamton City Schools Foundation

06/11/2026

Positive Patriot Partners is just one of many programs piloted through the BCSF grant program that continues today, stronger than ever! This program helps build strong relationships between teachers and students, fostering a greater sense of community. Teachers involved say through the program they have seen improvements in students attendance, academic, and behavioral performance, and students look to participate year after year. Congratulations to teachers Jennafer Foster and Rose Shapiro on their winning grant and support of the program!

06/10/2026

It was time for the rubber to hit the road in Mrs. Charsky's class! This grant is one of many innovation and technology grants elevating the quality of science education in the district by providing teachers and students with enhanced tools for curriculum. This challenging and fun project gives students exposure to skills used in emerging careers in renewable energy, environmental science, and sustainable engineering. To support innovation and technology in the district visit https://binghamtonschoolsfoundation.org/donate/

05/27/2026

Clean power, bright minds at BHS! A BCSF grant is enriching science curriculum by adding a renewable energy and sustainability component to chemistry and physical science courses. This new technology prepares STEM students for global challenges through forward-thinking science education. Would you like to support future STEM grants? Any amount helps enrich the educational experience for students and provides valuable tools like this to teachers. Visit our website to donate at https://binghamtonschoolsfoundation.org/donate/

05/07/2026

A recent grant has PALS students and mentors climbing together to new heights! The concept of BHS teacher Taylor Weigland, this learning opportunity brings together junior PALS volunteers with fellow students in the program, providing a fun learning opportunity for all. This is Weigland's second time holding this event, with the goal of increasing the number of junior students volunteering in the PALS program. Volunteers are learning leadership and empathy, and PALS participants benefit from increased peer interaction and socialization. Weigland's winning grant is truly the districts mission statement in action; "embracing each and everyone to believe in themselves, to belong, and to become successful." To support future grants like this, visit https://binghamtonschoolsfoundation.org/donate/.

04/22/2026

BUILDING THINKERS: LEGO SPIKE Kits for Collaborative STEM Learning have arrived at Woodrow Wilson Elementary !
A winning grant submitted by teacher Deb Miller, these kits are allowing students the opportunity to design, build, and program their own creations while exploring important STEM concepts such as engineering design, problem-solving, and basic coding. Students are testing their ideas, troubleshooting challenges, and improving their designs through teamwork and iteration.
Miller says, "The kits have also provided wonderful opportunities for students to practice communication and collaboration skills while building confidence in their ability to think like engineers and programmers, and have already made a meaningful impact in our classrooms". This innovative initiative was made possible by generous donations to the Foundation. To support STEM and other learning initiatives visit:
https://binghamtonschoolsfoundation.org/donate/

04/03/2026

We are “Patriot Proud” of Samantha Francilus, who recently participated in the Central New York Science and Engineering Fair! In addition to her many academic pursuits and community involvement at BHS, Samantha is a Student Representative on our board, bringing an important student perspective. We are grateful to have her on our team and working with us in furthering our mission!

🔬 | Shoutout to BHS student Samantha Francilus! She was the ONLY high school student from Broome County to participate in last weekend’s Central New York Science and Engineering Fair. The event was held at the MOST Science Museum in Syracuse. Way to go, Samantha!

03/17/2026

Woodrow Wilson students are benefitting from the recently opened "Red, White, and You" room. This winning grant, submitted by teacher Carla Skinner, created a "care closet" of personal essentials students might need or are lacking at home. Through a teacher or social worker, students can discreetly get access to items like shampoo, deodorant, laundry detergent or a quick meal for dinner. "When students basic needs are met, learning can happen. Students come to school more confident and ready to learn", Skinner says. We at the Foundation are so honored to be a part of this initiative, which embodies Binghamton's "Believe, Belong, Become" motto to the fullest. Congratulations to Carla and staff social workers for collaborating to go above and beyond to support Wilson students so creatively and thoughtfully!

Our grant program is possible because of generous community donations, please consider a contribution today - any amount goes directly to support teachers and students. Visit https://binghamtonschoolsfoundation.org/donate/

03/11/2026

The creative wheels are turning over at East Middle School! Students can now “Read and Ride” on one of 3 stationary bikes in the library during independent reading time or as an incentive. The bikes were purchased as part of a winning grant submitted by Library Media Specialist Katie Burke, who came up with the idea to use movement during reading to help with motivation and focus. Burke says "Students have started coming down to the library to use the stationary bikes while they read. It's been great!"

Read and Ride is just one of 20 grants recently funded by the Foundation, which relies on donations to support teacher led initiatives in the Binghamton district. To help fund future innovative approaches to learning, visit the donations page of our website and select "innovation" from the dropdown menu.

https://binghamtonschoolsfoundation.org/donate/

01/07/2026

We are excited to announce we are awarding 22 grants to deserving teachers in the Binghamton district! We had a record number of applications, so this was a highly competitive cycle. Every building in the district will benefit, and we are grateful for our teachers commitment to innovative education though participating in the grant program. This program would not be possible without our hardworking volunteer Grant Committee, great collaboration with the Binghamton City School District and of course our generous donors. We can't wait to see how these initiatives will positively impact BCSD students and the community. More to come on these grants and their impact here and on our website. Binghamton City School District

12/03/2025

We are thrilled to announce our grant cycle yielded a record 29 applications! We are in awe of the creativity and dedication of our teachers, who are working hard to enrich educational experiences for their students. The grant application period has closed, thank you to each and every educator who participated, and the district for their support with the process. Winners will be announced later this month, check back here for updates!