Before a lesson can begin, a student needs two things: stability and a reason to engage.

You can’t teach algebra to a child in survival mode—and you can’t unlock potential without giving students the tools to explore it.

That’s the gap the Plano ISD Education Foundation is working to close. While every student is headed toward the same finish line, they don’t all start in the same place.

The foundation helps meet students’ essential needs while fueling moments that spark curiosity and drive learning. The goal isn’t just to help them get by—it’s to give them the chance to thrive.

The bridge to excellence

Since 1993, the Plano ISD Education Foundation has raised over $25 million to support students and educators beyond public funding.

Its approach is simple: remove barriers first, then unlock potential through innovation by supporting over 30 district and foundation-run programs.

"Our mission is simple: to remove barriers, fuel innovation and create opportunities for every student to thrive," Senior Executive Director Brittnea Ussery said. "We're here to ensure that when students enter Plano ISD, they have the resources, inspiration and support to succeed—both in the classroom and in life."

Plano ISD Welcome and Enrollment Center helping families access resources like healthcare, transportation and enrollment support, improving student stability and readiness to learn

Meeting basic needs

Before a student can learn, they need stability. The foundation supports wraparound services to ensure students arrive at school ready to focus.

At the Welcome and Enrollment Center, families can access:

  • Physical essentials: Hygiene items, clothing, shoes, backpacks and school supplies
  • Enrollment support: Help with missing documents, language services and notarization assistance
  • Family stability: Safe housing, job search support and transportation resources
  • Healthcare access: On-site immunizations and Medicaid applications

When urgent needs arise, the Richards Douglass Immediate Needs Fund can provide essentials like food or shelter within 24 hours.

"If students face a barrier to meeting their basic needs, they never get to the starting line," said Jessica Miley, Executive Director of Student and Family Services. "Our role is to remove those barriers so every child has a fair opportunity to succeed from day one."

Fueling innovation

Once students feel secure, the focus shifts to engagement because inspiration turns attendance into enthusiasm.

The foundation invests in innovative programs that make learning hands-on, relevant and exciting, including:

  • Grants to Educators: $150,000 is awarded annually to help teachers implement innovative classroom ideas
  • Workforce development: Supporting career and technical education through funding for professional certifications and equipment needed for training
  • Scholarships and enrichment programs: Funding for life-changing experiences such as the 5th Grade Outdoor Science Camp and Wildcat Collegiate Academy

“Teachers know what is needed for their classroom and community,” Ussery said. “Funding innovation gives them the flexibility to engage students in ways that ignite their curiosity and passion for learning.”

Sometimes that spark starts small—and grows into something much bigger.

The spark that ignites a voice

For Plano ISD speech-language pathologist Lauren Scurry, the spark began with a goal: help students who stutter find their voice.

After volunteering with a University of Texas research-based speech camp, Camp Dream. Speak. Live., she brought the model to Plano ISD. Using the grant, she was able to adapt the model for local 1st-12th graders.

What started as a pilot program is now in its fourth year, helping dozens of students each summer build confidence and communication skills.

Using the CARE model—communication, advocacy, resiliency and education—students practice real-world scenarios, from ordering food to speaking publicly about their experiences.

“The foundation didn’t just fund this idea; they believed in it,” Scurry said. “That belief gave students and families confidence to see what’s possible.”

The impact lasts beyond the camp. Students return to school more confident, while trained therapists continue supporting them throughout the year. Many take on leadership roles, participate in theater or enter spaces they once avoided.

How to contribute

Supporting the Plano ISD Education Foundation helps students show up ready and inspired to learn. You can make an impact by:

To learn more about the Plano ISD Education Foundation, click here.

The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel, with the Community Impact's Storytelling team, using information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.