About Us
The Blue Springs Education Foundation was established in 2008. A non-profit organization, our mission is to enhance the excellent programs and instruction synonymous with the Blue Springs School District and to assist in student success throughout the PK-12 experience. We support educational excellence in many ways, including innovative classroom grants that promote excellence in teaching and improve student learning, scholarships for graduating seniors to pursue their dreams through higher education and trade and technical training, and scholarships for administrators and teachers to foster their growth and increase leadership skills. The Foundation also provides important at-risk funding to support students who face challenges beyond their control, ensuring they can thrive in the classroom.
The Blue Springs Education Foundation was established in 2008 as a 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization. Katherine Barton was the first Executive Director and served six years in that capacity. Under her leadership the Foundation was able to award scholarships and grants totaling about $1 million. In the first six years of operation, BSEF funds grew from one fund to 27 with a balance slightly exceeding another $1 million. BSEF partnered with the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation for investment purposes, a partnership that we continue today.
The Foundation has grown in many ways during its 17 years of existence. The annual Spring Into Giving Breakfast has become a significant fundraiser. Almost 200 people attended the first one, while over 400 helped raise more than $117,000 for Foundation programs in 2024. The Women Endowing Education (W.E.E.) giving circle has well over 100 annual givers, while the new men’s giving circle, Men Impacting Lives in Education (M.I.L.E.), boasts over 65 men in its second year of existence. In addition, BSEF now provides over $80,000 each year in teacher grants and over $250,000 each year in student scholarships, including the innovative Grow Your Own Teachers program, which provides grants to BSSD seniors who will return home to teach. We also provide important assistance for students facing challenges in their K-12 educational careers with at-risk funding, helping with everything from essentials like food and clothing to incentivizing attendance to providing emotional and mental health support systems.