A Life of gratitude and giving back: Stu elliott
Inside SPark Lincoln learning: A Camper Q&A
SUPPORTING STUDENTS EMPOWERING EDUCATORS
Celebrating 10 YearS of the career academy
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As I wrap up my first school year as President of the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the extraordinary difference our community makes when we come together for students and educators. Your generosity, partnership, and belief in the power of public education truly change lives every day.
Because of you, the 2024–2025 school year was filled with moments of inspiration, resilience, and impact. Together, we created opportunities that will shape students’ futures for years to come.
2024–2025
Impact Overview
• $2.5 million provided for LPS athletics and activities, opening doors for more students to participate, compete, and grow through teamwork and leadership.
• 2,200+ students and family members received critical assistance through the Student Emergency Fund when unexpected challenges arose.
• 107 classroom and school projects fully funded through Fund a Need, turning educators’ innovative ideas into reality.
• 94 Spark Summer Learning scholarships awarded, giving students access to hands-on learning and summer fun.
• Over $160,000 in scholarships awarded to more than 80 graduating seniors, helping them pursue their dreams beyond high school.
Looking ahead, we’re building on this strong foundation to expand opportunities and remove barriers for students across Lincoln.
2025–2026 Priority Projects
• Continue supporting LPS Activity Complexes and extracurricular programs that build school pride and strengthen community connection.
• Invest in Focus Programs such as The Bay, Bryan College of Health Sciences, and The Career Academy to prepare students for college and career success.
• Grow Fund a Need to empower teachers to launch even more innovative learning experiences.
• Strengthen the Student Emergency and School Lunch Funds to meet rising student and family needs.
• Support EL (English Learner) Certification programs to help educators reach every student.
• Expand scholarship opportunities so more graduates can take their next steps with confidence.
You can find more about these initiatives on page 10.
This first year has shown me just how deeply Lincoln cares about its students. Every gift, partnership, and act of support adds up to extraordinary opportunity. I’m honored to serve alongside you and excited for all we’ll accomplish together in the year ahead.
With gratitude,
Natalia Wiita President
Bringing Learning to Life at Elliott Elementary
At Elliott Elementary, a Title I school in the heart of Lincoln, learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom; it comes to life through experiences that connect students to the world around them. The students, families, and staff at Elliott are passionate about education and united by a shared goal: ensuring that 100% of students are on track to graduate. For many of their youngest scholars, that journey begins with building background knowledge and curiosity about the world.
When kindergarten teachers wanted to give their students the chance to visit a local pumpkin patch and learn about agriculture firsthand, they turned to the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools’ Fund a Need platform.
Fund a Need allows LPS teachers and staff to create fundraising projects for hands-on learning experiences, classroom tools, and innovative ideas that enrich education. Community members can browse active needs on the Foundation’s crowdfunding platform and choose projects they’d like to support directly, making a tangible difference for students across Lincoln.
Elliott’s kindergarten team’s goal was to raise $850 to cover transportation and admission costs for all their young scholars and staff. Thanks to generous donors, the project was fully funded, turning a simple idea into a powerful opportunity for students to see, touch, and explore what they’ve been learning in class.
Elliott’s minority student enrollment is 74%, and families at the school speak 23 different languages. A number of those families have moved to the United States within the last three years. For many of these students, this field trip was more than just a fun day out; it was a way to build background knowledge and language skills that directly strengthen reading, writing, and science learning. And for students new to Nebraska, it was an introduction to the state’s agricultural roots and a chance to experience a beloved local tradition.
“For so many of our little owls, going on a field trip to the pumpkin patch to learn, explore, and play was a day full of first time experiences such as riding on a bus, picking a pumpkin, and having a picnic surrounded by bees that sparked their little curious minds,” said Kindergarten teacher Brooke Morrison. “The support from our Lincoln community made this happen for our scholars, and thanks to you, they had a day full of pure joy and fun that they will remember for a lifetime.”
Because of the kindness of donors, Elliott’s youngest owls got to spread their wings beyond the classroom and discover that learning can happen anywhere.
The Elliott Elementary project is just one example of how Fund a Need brings ideas to life across Lincoln Public Schools. Every campaign reflects a teacher’s understanding of what their students need most from classroom books to field trips, musical instruments to robotics competitions. By connecting our generous community directly with those classrooms, Fund a Need helps fill resource gaps, inspire learning, and ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we’re turning small donations into big moments, one funded project at a time.
See all active Fund a Needs from any school!
A Decade of Impact: Celebrating of The Career Academy
This fall marks a major milestone for The Career Academy (TCA)-ten years of transforming how students in Lincoln prepare for college and future careers.
Launched in 2015 through a visionary partnership between Lincoln Public Schools and Southeast Community College, TCA has provided thousands of students with the chance to explore high-demand career pathways while earning both high school and college credit. These opportunities save families thousands in tuition and give students a powerful head start toward their futures.
“TCA was built on the idea that students deserve to ‘test drive their future,’” said Joshua Jones, Director of The Career Academy. “Thanks to
Ten years ago, the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools was proud to support the launch of The Career Academy, working alongside donors and community leaders who believed in giving students every opportunity to succeed.
Natalia Wiita President of the Foundation for LPS
our donors and business partners, students not only earn valuable college credit, but also gain real-world skills and experiences that prepare them for life after graduation.”
What sets TCA apart is its strong connection to the business community. More than 150 professionals serve on pathway support teams, advising, mentoring, and even offering internships. Industry support has also provided the state-of-the-art tools and equipment students use every day. With 16 career pathways, including health sciences, engineering, information technology, skilled trades, business, and education, students graduate ready to meet critical workforce needs while building confidence in their abilities.
“TCA provides great experiences in the classroom with amazing curriculum through SCC, but sometimes we can go above and beyond because of the Foundation’s support,” Jones added. “More opportunities in the classroom, scholarship support, and the exposure to
experiences they might not otherwise get—all thanks to the financial support we get in partnership with the Foundation for LPS.”
“Over ten years ago, the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools was proud to support the launch of The Career Academy, working alongside donors and community leaders who believed in giving students every opportunity to succeed,” said Natalia Wiita, President of the Foundation for LPS. “Today, we are focused on building even more partnerships with local businesses to continue celebrating student success and preparing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and skilled professionals for our community.”
As we celebrate this 10th anniversary, we also celebrate our partners, donors, and friends who have invested in creating life-changing opportunities for students. With your support, the next decade of TCA will inspire even more students to discover their passions, achieve their goals, and build brighter futures for themselves and our community.
Support The Career Academy!
A Life of Gratitude and Giving Back:
Stu Elliott
Stu Elliott’s story begins in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he grew up as the only child of a doctor and a homemaker. Adopted into what he calls a “great family,” Stu describes himself as “a spoiled only child” who, from the very beginning, was independent-minded. “I even complained about having to take naps in kindergarten,” he joked.
Find something you’re passionate about, and don’t let money hold you back “ “
School wasn’t always smooth. Stu recalls being a bit of a “problem child” in first and second grade, struggling to connect with his teachers. But when he transferred to Calvert Elementary, everything shifted. There, he met Principal Anna Zeman, who took him under her wing, along with a third-grade teacher who helped spark his interest in learning. “That was important in getting me on the right track,” said Stu.
As a high school student, Stu’s curiosity drew him to science and math. He was one of just 12 students from across Lincoln selected for an innovative honors class held at Lincoln High—the first in the district to incorporate a computer, initially used for LPS payroll. “That class really got me interested in computers,” he said. “It set me on a path toward science, math, and eventually my career.”
At the same time, music played a major role in his life. After experimenting with piano lessons as a child, he switched to guitar and eventually the Hammond organ, playing R&B and rock ‘n’ roll with a band through junior high and high school. The group even performed at proms, graduations, and reunions. But Stu also realized that if he stayed in Nebraska, music might pull him away from his career goals.
He chose instead to study engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, before shifting to business and earning his MBA. Soon after, he landed a job with Arthur Andersen’s consulting division—now Accenture—helping clients build and implement large computer systems. “I can trace that opportunity directly back to that computer class in Lincoln High,” Stu reflected.
Over time, his career success and financial discipline gave him the freedom to give back. “I’ve always been frugal—I don’t need a big house or a fancy car,” he said. “Like Warren Buffett, I’ve never been interested in flaunting things. What matters to me is helping people who don’t have the same opportunities.”
Stu credits his sense of philanthropy to both his upbringing and his gratitude for what Lincoln Public Schools gave him. “LPS put me on the right track by moving me into the right school when I needed it. That made all the difference,” he said. His wife of more than 35 years encouraged him to formalize those instincts. “She nudged me to make decisions about our farm and estate plan. You don’t give away that kind of thing unless you feel a deep desire to give
back.” Thus, the Stuart Elliott Student Assistance Fund at the Foundation for LPS was started to give students access to life-changing opportunities.
Much of Stu’s giving is directed toward students in financial need. His philosophy is simple: “Many donors like to fund programs that lift all students. My focus has been to level the playing field for those who don’t have the funds to participate at all. I want to help the kids who are struggling financially, because youth are the most moldable. If we can support them during those formative years, there’s a greater chance of their future success.”
That belief has guided him not only in his giving to Lincoln Public Schools but also in volunteer work with youth organizations, including a homeless youth center in Fort Lauderdale. “It’s a great icebreaker, sitting down with them
A New Partnership with Moore Middle School
Middle school can be a tricky season for students and their families. With just three short years in the building and schedules that fill up fast, it’s not always easy to keep parents engaged and connected. That’s why we at the Foundation for LPS are especially excited to celebrate a unique and inspiring partnership with Moore Middle School’s parent group, the Moore Community Collective (MCC).
Unlike elementary school PTOs, which often have longer traditions of involvement, middle school parent groups can face an uphill climb. That didn’t stop Moore’s parents, Sonja and Leigh, from stepping up to build something special. Their leadership has been key to organizing MCC and working with the Foundation to make a real difference for students and staff. “We wanted to create a space for parents, students, and teachers to connect by building a community and giving back. We are fortunate to partner with the Foundation to help guide and support us in these efforts,” Sonja and Leigh shared.
and talking about how they ended up unhoused, their goals for getting a GED or job training. Helping kids get back on their feet brings me a lot of joy.”
When asked what message he would share with LPS students who benefit from his generosity, Stu’s answer is straightforward: “Find something you’re passionate about, and don’t let money hold you back. You shouldn’t ever have to say, ‘I can’t do this because I can’t afford it.’ Whether it’s a science fair, debate, or a drama competition, there are funds to help. Don’t be discouraged, and don’t miss out.”
For Stu Elliott, giving back isn’t about recognition or legacy. It’s about gratitude—for his family, teachers, and the school system that helped shape his life—and about ensuring today’s students have the same chance to thrive.
Together, MCC and the Foundation are raising money to support Moore teachers, staff, and the activities that make middle school more meaningful for students. As part of this partnership, the Foundation serves as MCC’s bank and bookkeeper — keeping funds secure and organized — while also lending our communications and promotional support to help amplify their fundraising efforts.
For us, this collaboration is about more than logistics. It’s about creating a bridge between parents, the school, and the broader community to ensure Moore students have every opportunity to thrive. Parents benefit from a streamlined way to support their school community, and the Foundation is honored to extend our mission in new ways by walking alongside Moore families.
Moore’s Principal, Gary Czapla, is excited to work with the Foundation for LPS. “It has helped us streamline the process of starting and supporting a parent organization to best serve the students at Moore. The Foundation
also allows us to carry on Dr. Moore’s work of collaborating with the community to support the needs of all students and allow all students to tell their stories.”
Most importantly, this partnership shows what can happen when people come together with a shared vision for students. Moore Middle School is stronger because of the combined energy, generosity, and heart of families and community members who care deeply about student success.
We are so grateful for leaders like Sonja and Leigh, who inspire others to get involved. We are proud to stand alongside the Moore Community Collective as they continue to create opportunities for Moore’s staff and students to flourish.
Inside Spark Lincoln Learning
A Camper Q&A
Each summer, the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools hosts Spark Summer Learning, a hands-on, curiosity-driven camp designed to keep LPS students learning, building, imagining — and laughing — all summer long. This year, we sat down with a few of our campers to hear what they had to say about their time at Spark. Their answers? Honest, creative, and a little bit hilarious.
Q.
What’s your favorite memory from this summer?
A. “Going to the luminarium. We got to take plant seeds home and played a tug of war game.”
JONAS, 6TH GRADE
“The pool and the movie theatre because I got sprite.”
BROOKS, 2ND GRADE
“Going to the movie theatre, I liked the Lego movie, but the movie theatre was haunted and I ate all my popcorn. And when we swam.”
RORY, 1ST GRADE
“Our field trip at LES, they lit a pickle on fire and it had sparks!”
ROSE, 6TH GRADE
What was your favorite activity, and why? Q.
A. “Origami or realistic sketching.”
RAELYN, 5TH GRADE
“Bridge making out of popsicle sticks. I decorated with markers to make it look abandoned, and like it had broken pieces.”
RAELYN, 5TH GRADE
“Going to the pool and seeing the Lego movie.”
BROOKS, 2ND GRADE
“Making coasters out of wood!”
ROSE, 6TH GRADE
“Playing with my friends.”
RORY, 1ST GRADE
If you could invent a new activity for Spark Camp, what would it be?
A. “Origami or realistic sketching.”
RAELYN, 5TH GRADE
“I’d invent a field trip to Kansas City to see all the stadiums, maybe stop every half hour so I don’t have to spend all that time on a bus.”
SURJAN, 5TH GRADE
“Everyone makes a fortune teller, and whoever gives their partner the best fortune first, wins.”
KADEN, 1ST GRADE
What’s something new you learned at Spark Camp? Q.
A. “It’s hard to make bridges out of popsicle sticks. I put pencils on my bridge and it smashed.”
SURJAN, 5TH GRADE
Did you make any new friends at camp?
A. “They’re all my friends. I’ve spent 2 years at Spark, it’s been a lot of the same people and I get excited to see everyone in the summer!”
ROSE, 6TH GRADE
“Yes! And I made friends that go to other schools too.”
BROOKS, 2ND GRADE
“I made lots of new friends, pretty much all new people, none from my school.”
JONAS, 6TH GRADE
What’s something nice you did for someone else at camp? Q.
Can you tell me about a time you worked as a team at camp?
A. “We worked as a team to build Legos, and made the best airplane!”
BROOKS, 2ND GRADE
“We worked as partners to build a mini golf course, start a golf business, and compete with each other.”
SURJAN, 5TH GRADE
What makes Spark Camp different from school? Q.
A.
“I love school, but not homework. I love that at Spark I can learn but not have to do homework.”
JONAS, 6TH GRADE
What will you miss most about Spark Camp? Q. A.
“I’m going to miss talking with my friends, just hanging out. But I’m coming back as camp crew next year!”
ROSE, 6TH GRADE
“Playing with my friends.”
RORY, 1ST GRADE
“The precious, precious playground.”
KADEN, 1ST GRADE
A. “The ball was rolling on a hill outside, and it was going down really fast and I stopped it and gave it to my friend. I can’t remember her name right now.”
RORY, 1ST GRADE
Learn more about Spark
Priority Projects
EL Certification
Lincoln Public Schools is experiencing a rapid and sustained increase in English Learner (EL) students, particularly those with the most intensive language acquisition needs. To meet this urgent demand, LPS, in partnership with Doane University, is offering a summer EL certification program for 20+ current educators. This program will equip teachers with the specialized skills needed to effectively support EL students, especially in high-need Level 1 classrooms. The Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools is stepping in to fundraise and support this critical initiative, ensuring that these educators can gain their certification quickly and that all students receive the instruction they deserve. Your support will help LPS address a growing need and strengthen learning opportunities for its most vulnerable students.
Focus Program Support
Lincoln Public Schools’ Focus Programs allow students to personalize their education, explore their passions, and gain real-world experience — from science and health to business and the arts. Programs like The Career Academy, the Bryan College of Health Sciences Focus Program at Lincoln Northwest, and Bay High help students connect classroom learning to college and career pathways, often with opportunities for college credit. The Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools is proud to support these programs, ensuring that all students have access to innovative learning experiences. With the generosity of community donors, we can continue to expand these programs, helping students discover their strengths, prepare for the future, and achieve their dreams.
Scholarships
Each year, the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools awards scholarships to graduating seniors across the district, helping them take the next step toward their dreams. These scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and perseverance. With support from generous donors, the Foundation connects students with opportunities to continue their education and build a bright future. Every gift helps open doors for LPS graduates, empowering them to pursue college, technical training, or other post secondary goals with confidence.
Fund a Need
Fund a Need is the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools’ crowdfunding platform that connects our generous community with teachers and students across Lincoln. No one knows what students need to learn and thrive better than their teachers. Through Fund a Need, teachers and parent/teacher organizations can create and share campaigns to fund classroom projects — from new books and musical instruments to field trips and robotics competitions. These campaigns help close resource gaps and bring creative, hands-on learning opportunities to life. With your support, we can ensure every classroom has what it needs for students to grow, explore, and succeed.
Student Emergency
The Student Emergency Fund provides immediate assistance to Lincoln Public Schools students and families facing unexpected hardships. Whether it’s help with food, clothing, transportation, medical needs, or temporary housing, this fund ensures that students can stay focused on learning when life gets difficult. Managed by the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, the fund allows school staff to quickly respond when urgent needs arise. With your support, we can make sure every student has the stability and care they need to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.
Activity Complexes
The Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools is proud to support the development and enhancement of activity complexes across the district. These facilities serve as vibrant community hubs where students learn teamwork, leadership, and perseverance, skills that extend far beyond the classroom. From athletics and co-curricular programs such as band, cheer, and dance to school and community gatherings, activity complexes provide safe, inclusive spaces for students to grow, perform, compete, and connect. Beyond student use, these facilities also serve the greater Lincoln community, hosting youth activities, local events, and visiting teams across the region. With the help of generous donors, the Foundation partners with Lincoln Public Schools to ensure that every student and community member has access to high-quality facilities that reflect the excellence of our schools. Every gift contributes to creating environments that inspire pride, foster school spirit, and strengthen the sense of community within LPS and throughout Lincoln.
NATALIA WIITA
President
ANGELINA CUNNING
Director of Operations
KAYLA JACOX
Director of Engagement
Board Members Staff
Kris Baack, Ph.D., Chair
Alex Cassidy, Chair-Elect
Trent Fellers, Secretary
Andy Martz, Treasurer
JENNIFER WITHERBY Development Specialist
SUSAN CARR Development Specialist
RUKHSHONA ISLAMOVA Marketing Specialist
Patrick Beans
Mo Boyd
Amy Clark
Ginna Claussen
Draper Daniel
Brent Comstock
Abel Foundation
Acklie Charitable Foundation
Advanced Engineering Systems Inc.
Affordable Home Improvement
Aim2PlzU Event Design & Gifts, LLC
Allo Communications
Ameritas
Ameritas Charitable Foundation
Applied Curiosity Research, LLC
April’s Kids
Assurity Life Foundation
Beattie Elementary PTO
Bettenhausen Family Foundation
Blackbaud Giving Fund/YourCause
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska
BOLD Charitable Giving Fund
Capital City Concepts LLC
Cattle Bank & Trust
Chesterman Co.
Chevron Corporation
Chipotle — Headquarters
Chopsticks Chinese Cuisine
Clinton Neighborhood Organization
Cornhusker Bank
Crete Carrier Corporation
D F Dillon Foundation
Dolezal Family Foundation
Don’t Panic Labs
Duncan Family Trust
DuTeau Chevrolet Subaru
Eastridge Presbyterian Church
MARY WEIXELMAN Communications Impact Specialist
JORDAN HAVLAT Operations Specialist
ALLISON BOCK Operations Coordinator
Betsy Grindlay
Craig Haszard
Nancy Hove-Graul
Kaye Jesske
Marilyn Johnson Farr*
John Laflin
Our Partners
Edelman Financial Engines
Edenton Christian Church
Emsud’s Clothiers
Eye Surgical Associates
Fallbrook Assisted Living
First United Women in Faith For Him Investments LLC
Giving Realty
Grace S Pfister Foundation Trust
Grain Bin Parts USA
Grandmother’s Inc.
Hud’s Lawn Service
Hugo A. & Thelma Aspegren Trust
inMOTION Auto Care
J. C. Seacrest Trust
James Huntington Foundation
James Stuart III Family Foundation
JC & Jessie Seacrest Family Foundation
John C. & Catherine S. Angle
Charitable Trust
Kinetic Internet
Kiwanis Club Foundation of Lincoln
Krieger Family Foundation
Labcorp Charitable Foundation
Lancaster County
Community Corrections
Lancaster County Human Services
Lee and Debbie Stuart Family Foundation
ASILA AL RAHAWI Operations Coordinator
JAME CARTWRIGHT
Spark Co-Director
SHELBY DOWDING
Spark Co-Director
Jeffrey Owusu-Ansah
Deb Rasmussen
Dr. John Skretta*
Michael J. Travlin
Dr. J. J. Toczek
Guy Trainin
Lincoln Area Retired School Personnel
Lincoln Babe Ruth Baseball Association
Lincoln Community Foundation
Lincoln Education Association
Lincoln High Class of 1974
Lincoln Industries
Lincoln USBC Bowling Association
LOC Credit Union
Mapes Industries Inc.
Maptician
Marion Boyle Revocable Trust
Mark T. & Margaret L. Seacrest
Family Charitable Foundation
Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC
McCoy Insurance
MidwayUSA Foundation Inc.
Mu Phi Epsilon — Beta Pi Chapter Mutual of Omaha
Nebraska Community Foundation
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Neemann & Sons, Inc.
Nelnet Foundation
Nextera Energy
Olsson
Olsson Family Foundation
Omaha Community Foundation
Ozark Pizza Company LLC
Pace Woods Foundation
Pinnacle Bank
Russ Uhing
James Walbridge
John Wirtz
Sarah Wischhof
*Non-voting advisor to the board.
Piper Sandler Companies — Lincoln Location
Pitney Bowes
Qdoba Restaurant Corporation
Random Acts of Kindness Group
Red Strike Inc
Robert D. Carstens Charitable Trust
Rogers Foundation
Rotary Club #14 Foundation
Runza National Inc.
Schmieding Foundation Inc.
Spreetail
Taco Inn Restaurants
Target
TeamMates of Nebraska
The Brown Family Foundation
The Hampton Family Foundation
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
TMCO, Inc.
Union Bank & Trust Company
Unity Lincoln
UNL School of Natural Resources
Valentino’s
Vine Congregational United Church of Christ
Walmart Super Center #1943
Walmart Super Center #3278
Zavala Masonry LLC
Zodiac Club
Zoetis, Global Manufacturing & Supply
