Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools

06/16/2026

School's out, summer is here, and our latest newsletter has officially dropped!

Before you dive into vacation mode, take a moment to celebrate some incredible community impact:

🎓 One of our favorite wins this month: 44 HOPE students received caps and gowns, helping them celebrate graduation with pride.
💛 Our 25th Annual Bright Futures Luncheon raised more than $150,000 to support VPS students.
🛠️ Students are building skills and confidence through programs like Toolbox and Career Connected Internships.

None of this would be possible without supporters like you. Thank you for helping students learn, grow, and dream big all year long!

📖 Grab your summer reading here: https://mailchi.mp/vansd.org/june-newsletter-26

06/12/2026

🎉Friday Fun!

One of our favorite moments from our Bright Futures video 😂

We hope you’re always learning, growing, and finding joy in what you do too—have a great weekend!

🎥 Watch the full video on our home page: https://foundationforvps.org/

06/11/2026

As we're closing the book on our latest Bright Futures Luncheon, we wanted to give one more shout-out to two incredible sponsors who helped make the event a success. 💛

A heartfelt thank you to the Hilton Vancouver. In addition to sponsoring this event, the Hilton staff provide invaluable mentorship to our culinary students each year as they prepare and serve a delicious meal at our Bright Futures Luncheons—we truly couldn't do it without them! 👏

And one last special thank you to our Centerpiece Sponsor, Lockwood & Like, Wealth Advisors of Raymond James for their generous support of this event: https://www.raymondjames.com/lockwoodlike

We are so grateful for your support, partnership, and commitment to helping students thrive!

06/10/2026

💙 Thank You, Halo Designs! 💙

A heartfelt thank you to Halo Designs Salon, owner Charlene Bancel, and everyone who participated in their recent Bag Swap fundraiser benefiting the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools.

Every little bit helps, and the donations collected will make a meaningful difference for VPS students and families.

We're so grateful for community partners like Halo Designs who help brighten futures and support student success. ✨

06/02/2026

From dentistry to security—and everything in between! 👏

One recent VPS intern had a great experience with Atlas Pacific Security through the Career Connected Internship Program, and stories like this are happening all across our community.

Thanks to the support of U.S. Bank and our growing network of more than 150 local business partners who open their doors to VPS interns, hundreds of students have gained hands-on experience exploring future careers.

This program wouldn't be possible without our amazing partners who help students build skills, confidence, and connections. Thank you for making these opportunities possible! 💙

Learn more about Career Connected Learning: https://vansd.org/programs-items/career-connected-learning/

05/29/2026

Still smiling about these joyful moments ✨

A few of our favorite dance photos from the luncheon, because this kind of student joy deserves another share. Wishing everyone a happy Friday filled with as much energy and happiness as these dancers brought to the room.

Photo credit: Micah Nance

05/28/2026

“Being a Lunch Buddy is the best 40 minutes of my week. I enjoy building a positive connection with a student while laughing, being silly, and playing games together.” — a current Lunch Buddy ❤️

A huge thank you to our incredible Lunch Buddies for showing up each week and making such a meaningful difference for students.

There’s always room for more cheerleaders, and we’d love to welcome new volunteers to the Lunch Buddies Program! If you’ve been looking for a meaningful way to make an impact, this could be it.

Read more about the program and how to get involved in the attached article.

The Lunch Buddies Program was built around a simple belief: Every Child Needs a Cheerleader. At the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools, that belief continues to guide our work. We see every day how powerful a single, consistent connection can be. When students feel noticed, supported, and encou...

05/26/2026

Huge thanks to Halo Designs for their Bag Swap fundraiser benefiting the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools. 💙

The Bag Swap runs through May 30! If you’re thinking about stopping by Halo Designs with a donation, students are especially in need of:

• Body wash
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Deodorant
• Dish soap
• Household cleaner
• Individually packaged snacks

You can view more details at their website: https://www.halodesignsalon.com/news

We’re so grateful for community partners like Halo Designs who help brighten futures for VPS students ✨

05/19/2026

Last week at our 25th Annual Building Brighter Futures Luncheon, we shared this powerful video featuring the voices of Vancouver Public Schools students. 💙

You’ll hear directly from students about their hopes, dreams, and what they need to succeed—and the impact your support makes every day.

A huge thank you to the students from:
✨ Columbia River High School
✨ Gaiser Middle School
✨ Discovery Middle School
✨ Ruth Bader Ginsburg Elementary
✨ Marshall Elementary
✨ Heights Campus

And thank you again to everyone who attended and gave so generously to help us continue building brighter futures for students across Vancouver Public Schools. 🌟

05/14/2026

What a day! Our 25th Annual Bright Futures Luncheon was a HUGE success!

We’re feeling so grateful for everyone who showed up, gave generously, and helped create such a warm, celebratory, and hopeful vibe. ✨

Shoutout to our incredible students:
🥗 Fort Vancouver HS Culinary students for the delicious meal
🌸 Fort Vancouver HS FFA for the beautiful centerpieces
💃 Chinook Elementary dancers for bringing the energy
🎶 Jason Lee MS Presto Orchestra for the amazing music
📸 Skyview & Columbia River HS students for photography and tech support

🙌 Thank you to our amazing board, volunteers, VPS staff, and sponsors—you filled the room with support and enthusiasm!

And a special thank you to VPS Interim Associate Superintendent Janell Ephraim and Incoming Superintendent Dr. Ricardo “Rocky” Torres-Morales for presenting.

Thanks again for joining us - we’re already looking forward to next year! 💫

Photo credit: Evan Bouchard and Micah Nance