Educational Leadership Grant
In support of INITIATIVE
Help transform the future of independent school education
THE MISSION
The mission of Building Bridges is to cultivate purposeful partnerships between historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and independent schools nationwide. Through immersive programming, we serve aspiring educators from HBCUs and students at independent schools, promoting access, exposure and mutual engagement across both communities. We aim to enrich the independent school landscape, inspire equitable and inclusive practices, and create richer learning environments.
THE GRANT
The Edward E. Ford Foundation seeks to improve secondary education by supporting U.S. independent schools and initiatives that drive national innovation. The E. E. Ford Foundation has awarded St. George’s School an Educational Leadership grant for our Building Bridges program. This partnership highlights our shared vision for transforming secondary education and influencing independent school practices nationwide.
Now, by raising $250,000 from St. George’s supporters on a 1:1 match, we’ll unlock the foundation’s $250,000 grant, enabling a half-million-dollar investment into this transformative program, which aims to create enduring partnerships between HBCUs and independent schools.
WHY INVEST?
The E.E. Ford Foundation Grant will be used to create a financially sustainable program that connects independent schools nationwide with aspiring educators at HBCUs.
St. George’s School is raising $250,000 to release the matching funds from the foundation. Monies raised against the grant will be used to endow Building Bridges.
YOUR SUPPORT WILL DIRECTLY EMPOWER US TO:
Expand our reach to more HBCUs and independent schools.
Scale our professional development programming for aspiring educators.
Create sustainable, long-term impact on the educational landscape.
Expose independent school students to the unique educational experience at HBCUs
We are incredibly proud of Building Bridges and the work of Dwayne Pina and his team, and we are grateful for the meaningful support of the Edward E. Ford Foundation ... One of the many things I love about this program is that it is mission-driven; Building Bridges, at its essence, is about ‘constructive service,’ whether that be for SG students, students at other independent schools, or aspiring educators from our partner HBCUs.”
Michael Wirtz, Head of School, St. George’s School
THE PROGRAM
1 CAREER EXPLORATION
This element offers aspiring educators an introductory look at independent schools. Through a structured in-person experience, participants explore the philosophies, teaching methodologies, and student-centered environments that differentiate these institutions.
2 SUMMER TEACHING & LEARNING INSTITUTE
This dynamic and inclusive conference supports both aspiring educators attending HBCUs and early-career educators teaching in independent schools. The Institute offers a welcoming space that fosters professional growth, builds community, and engage in meaningful networking opportunities.
3 MINI TEACHING PRACTICUM
Select students return to a specific independent school for a fully-immersive multi-day teaching experience, applying what they learned in a real-world setting.
THE IMPACT
Building Bridges is a proven initiative with measurable outcomes. We have successfully created a pipeline that promotes access, exposure, and mutual engagement across two vital educational communities.
BROAD REACH: We have successfully engaged 10 HBCU s and over 30 independent schools to date.
TANGIBLE GROWTH: Our reach includes 85 HBCU participants , 18 early career educators , and 7 teaching fellows who have benefited from our programming.
COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMMING: We have facilitated 18 unique programs , including Summer Teaching & Learning Institutes, Career Exploration events, Mini Teaching Practicums, and virtual events.
INSTITUTIONAL BACKING: We are a recognized E.E. Ford Foundation $250,000 grant recipient, underscoring the confidence major philanthropic organizations have in our model.
