What began as a teacher welcome dinner in the 1940s has adapted to meet the growing and changing needs of a rapidly expanding school district, LEAF Executive Director Kameela Lewis said.
“The community love of teachers started way before LEAF,” she said. “It was just a true spirit of connection that really made them feel welcome and also just reinforced how important education was to the community.”
How it started
Though officially founded as a nonprofit in 2000, Lewis said LEAF’s roots go back to 1948, when the Rosenberg-Richmond Chamber of Commerce began welcoming new LCISD teachers with annual community dinners. That tradition of supporting educators eventually inspired district leaders and community members—including Christy Willman, former LCISD executive director of community relations—to form a nonprofit dedicated to classroom grants, scholarships and partnerships.
LEAF awarded $32,559 in grants its first year, and it’s set to distribute $500,000 this year, Lewis said. Since its inception, the foundation has raised $6 million, according to its website.
The highlights
The foundation hosts an annual “Grant Express” designed to fund innovative educational projects and professional development, while alleviating the burden of out-of-pocket expenses up to $1,500 for teachers and $4,000 for campus departments, per the website.
Recent grants have supported a wide range of needs, including:
- Blood pressure kits, allowing health science students to practice clinical skills
- Music equipment, such as steel pan drums, xylophones and harp instruction used by elementary students
- Social emotion learning resources, including therapeutic tools and professional development conferences
"Our goal is to supplement and expand beyond what is being offered in the classroom today with the budgets that are provided to each campus," Lewis said.
Another thing
Lewis said the foundation is also focused on supporting students' transition into postsecondary education or careers. Currently, LEAF awards $22,000 in scholarships annually, with a goal to expand that figure in the future.
Lewis said in honor of LEAF’s 25th anniversary, two new $1,000 scholarships were introduced this year, including:
- A Career and Technical Education, or CTE, scholarship for students pursuing trades or certifications at schools like Texas State Technical College or Wharton County Junior College
- The LEAF Legacy Community Service Award, recognizing students with a deep commitment to volunteering in Fort Bend County
Moving forward
As LEAF celebrates 25 years, Lewis said the foundation isn’t slowing down. With new schools opening every year, evolving educational needs and a growing demand for community support, LEAF is committed to remaining a cornerstone in LCISD, she said.
"There’s a place for everyone in this foundation,” she said. "We’ve accomplished so much in our first 25 years, but our work is far from done."
Lewis said she hopes the organization's presence will grow into the recent enrollment increase in the Katy-Fulshear area, which has contributed to the district’s “hypergrowth” status that is expected to reach 67,000 students in the next decade.
“We have to make sure people know about LEAF in the Richmond-Rosemberg area, because that’s historically where we’ve seen a lot of the growth, but the growth has now transitioned to the Katy-Fulshear area as well,” she said. “Our message has to be spread.”
Lewis said community members can support LEAF by:
- Volunteering to help with events, join committees or assist with grant application reading
- Donating directly through LEAF’s website or sponsor specific initiatives, such as named scholarships or classroom grants
- Applying for grants or scholarships by visiting the foundation’s site or contacting LEAF directly
