CUSchoolsFoundation

10/15/2026

Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen visited Garden Hills Math and Engineering Leadership Academy to read with students and, through CUSF’s Wisdom Network, shared her experiences with the AVID program at Centennial High School.

From inspiring young readers to helping students envision their futures, these moments show how community partnerships can make a difference in public education!

Champaign Unit 4 Schools

10/13/2026

The Champaign-Urbana Schools Foundation extends its heartfelt condolences on the passing of Dr. Taren Nance, former principal of Urbana High School from 2021-2023 and a passionate advocate for students, families, and community.

We hold in our thoughts his wife, Dr. Janiece Nance, District Family Liaison for Urbana School District #116, along with their family, friends, former students, and colleagues. We are grateful for Dr. Nance's service to young people and the lasting connections he built throughout the Urbana community.

10/09/2026

*Grant Spotlight*
Centennial and Central High School art teachers were inspired by Adrian “Binky” Donley to partner with Sholem Aquatic Center on a beautification project for the lazy river.

With Binky’s help and design, ceramics students, National Art Honor Society, Art Club, AP Art students, & others received a group of tiles to glaze and paint various underwater & water related creatures/plant life. The installation just wrapped up and it looks AMAZING!

Projects like this are possible because of the grants that CUSF is able to provide to our teachers. Visit cuschoolsfoundation.org to donate and help fund projects just like this!

Champaign Unit 4 Schools Centennial High School-I am a Charger Champaign Central High School

10/06/2026

Our Distinguished Alumni recognition awards celebrate more than just graduates. We also recognize businesses that support our schools and local heroes who make a difference in our community.

This week, we're looking back at The 2026 Local Business Community Impact Award winner, GRIT Automation and the impact they've made through their support of our local schools and students.

We're grateful for community partners like Grit Automation who believe that supporting our schools means supporting the future of our community.

What business do YOU think deserves to be recognized?
Do you know a Champaign-Urbana local business that has gone above and beyond to make a difference for our schools and students?

Nominate a local business for the 2027 Distinguished Alumni Awards! (*They do NOT need to be graduates from our CU high schools.)

Check out the first comment below to see last school year's Local Business Community Impact Award winner — GRIT Automation.

Nominations are open through December 4, 2026.
Champaign Unit 4 Schools Urbana School District #116

10/05/2026

What an awesome experience for Carle Illinois College of Medicine and University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine medicine to partner with Booker T. Washington STEM Academy students!

This is what it looks like when schools and community come together!
Champaign Unit 4 Schools

09/30/2026

Our very own CUSF Vice-Chair, AJ Zwettler has been chosen as a Forty Under 40 award winner! A MUCH well deserved honor for his commitment to the community!

Congratulations, AJ!!!

Introducing our 19th Class of Forty Under 40 powered by Hickory Point Bank.

09/21/2026

Today, CUSchools Foundation was proud to be part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 2026 Campus Charitable Fund Drive Agency Fair at the Illini Union! 💙🧡

We had a great time connecting with University of Illinois faculty and staff, sharing more about the work of the CUSchools Foundation, and talking about the many ways our community can support local students and schools.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello, learn more about CUSF, and support the organizations that matter to you!!

09/18/2026

We’re excited to highlight our newest Adopt-A-School partnership with Illini Way Student-Athlete Development and Robeson Elementary!

This week, U of I student-athletes from Fighting Illini Track and Field & Cross Country and Fighting Illini Women's Gymnastics teams visited Robeson with classroom supplies and special Illini goodies for staff and students.

Student-athletes visited classrooms to deliver supplies and encouragement to the school community. The visit also helped make Robeson’s Thankful Thursday extra special. Every Thursday, the Robeson Staff Happiness Committee provides a snack, treat, or small surprise for staff members. This week, the Thankful Thursday cart was generously sponsored through the Illini Way Student-Athlete Development and CUSchools Foundation Adopt-A-School partnership. 🧡💙

We’re excited to see all the ways this new connection will continue to support the students and staff at Robeson!



Friends of Robeson Elementary Champaign Unit 4 Schools Fighting Illini Athletics