CUSchoolsFoundation

CUSchoolsFoundation Strengthening the community’s commitment to CU’s public schools, teachers and students 🤝🏼 www.cuschoolsfoundation.org

In the Franklin Middle School library, board games help students connect, collaborate, problem‑solve, and build social s...
06/01/2026

In the Franklin Middle School library, board games help students connect, collaborate, problem‑solve, and build social skills — all while having an awesome time together. It’s community‑building disguised as play, and we love to see it!

Thank you to the donors who make IDEA Grants possible and help make innovative learning moments like this possible for our students!

Happy Summer, CU Schools! ☀️Another year in the books! Congratulations on your last day today, Urbana School District #...
05/29/2026

Happy Summer, CU Schools! ☀️

Another year in the books! Congratulations on your last day today, Urbana School District #116, and Champaign Unit 4 Schools on Tuesday. CU Schools Foundation is grateful to support, honor and celebrate the educators, staff, students and alumni in both districts. What a gift.

Stay tuned for CUSF updates and family-friendly community events throughout the next few months. Have a safe and fabulous summer!😎

Over the last week, we celebrated the Class of 2026 across Urbana School District #116 and Champaign Unit 4 Schools —...
05/27/2026

Over the last week, we celebrated the Class of 2026 across Urbana School District #116 and Champaign Unit 4 Schools — 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!! 🎓✨

📸: School District #116 and Champaign Unit 4 Schools

Last week, Franklin STEAM Academy in Champaign surprised their librarian with the Mann-Hankel Teaching Excellence Award....
05/26/2026

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 ...
05/21/2026

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, the 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.

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 “Communi...
05/15/2026

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.👏

GRANT SPOTLIGHT ~ The curtains are open to endless possibilities at Yankee Ridge! Drama teacher, Lane Cannon-Gjerde, is ...
05/14/2026

GRANT SPOTLIGHT ~ The curtains are open to endless possibilities at Yankee Ridge! Drama teacher, Lane Cannon-Gjerde, is igniting a spark in students as they bring imagination to life, building backdrops purchased with a CUSF grant. Creativity knows no bounds and confidence soars! Lane shares, "The students absolutely loved putting the backdrops together (set building) acting in front of each backdrop and we even used it on stage in December to put on our big 2nd Grade play! This will be something the students at Yankee Ridge will be able to use for years to come -- every season is represented and the kids were so thrilled to have real looking sets!! Thank you for bringing this to life. It makes the whole theater process come together and the kids got to have a wonderful experience using real life looking backdrops!!" Bravo, everyone! 👏🎭

Last week during our teacher appreciation celebration, we were able to give away $25 gift cards to the businesses listed...
05/11/2026

Last week during our teacher appreciation celebration, we were able to give away $25 gift cards to the businesses listed below. Thanks to their generous donations, NINETY teachers and staff were able to go home with a prize. Please support these restaurants, shops and service providers that uplift our schools!

ICYMI: The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Reception on April 10 was a showcase of global influence, local impact, commitment ...
05/09/2026

ICYMI: The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Reception on April 10 was a showcase of global influence, local impact, commitment to youth, extraordinary talent, and a deep pride in the education that helped shape their journeys. Each alumnus visited their former U4 and USD116 schools, presented to current students, and inspired the next generation with their stories. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this unforgettable evening. To view the honoree videos and/or nominate a deserving individual or business for 2027, check out our website.

As we wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week, our hearts are full after celebrating the outstanding teachers and staff of Uni...
05/08/2026

As we wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week, our hearts are full after celebrating the outstanding teachers and staff of Unit 4 and USD116 at Wednesday’s Spring Fling at Riggs in Urbana.

From peer-nominated Shining Star and Super Star Awards to laughter, connection, and well-deserved celebration, the evening was all about honoring the people who show up for students every single day.

Thanks to generous local businesses and donors, we gave away 90 gift cards, enjoyed delectable food from Dish Passionate Cuisine, and celebrated alongside a phenomenal community of educators, volunteers, table hosts, and supporters.

To every teacher and staff member in Champaign-Urbana public schools, thank you for the care, energy, patience, and heart you pour into our students and schools. We appreciate you more than words can say.🧡💙👏

Address

PO Box 1166
Champaign, IL
61824

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12173982873

Website

https://cuschoolsfoundation.org/community-opportunities/

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