2 2 4 ANNUAL REPORT
A Message From the Executive Director
Listening, Learning and Leading With Purpose
Scan the QR code to hear from Dr. Willis about one of the Foundation’s original programs and how it’s being reimagined as part of the Visioning Forward process.
It is my privilege to share this year’s annual report as a reflection of both where we’ve been and where we are headed. As the first female and first minority Executive Director in the Foundation’s 60+-year history, I carry a deep sense of responsibility and purpose in this role.
Having served for a decade as a public school superintendent, I know firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing our educators and students. That experience shapes everything I do here. I’ve spent the past year learning, listening and building new connections — with grantees and partners who believe, as I do, in the enduring value of Ohio’s public education system.
This year, we launched our Visioning Forward strategic planning process. It’s a deliberate step toward the future, one that ensures we remain relevant and responsive to the evolving landscape of public education. We are not standing still. We are choosing to lead.
Through this report, you’ll see how we’ve invested in innovative teaching, supported strong school leadership, and elevated the voices of those working directly with students. You’ll also see early signs of the Foundation’s renewed energy and direction.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are shaping what’s next for Ohio’s public schools and the students they serve.
Dr. Renée T. Willis Executive Director
A Message From the Board President
Visioning Forward: A Year of Transition and Strategic Planning
This annual report represents more than just a summary of a year’s work. It reflects a turning point for the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation.
In 2024, we began Visioning Forward, a three-phase process designed to examine where we’ve been, assess where we are and intentionally chart where we’re going. We began with a Legacy Lookback to honor the people, programs and leadership that built this Foundation’s 60-year history. We then conducted an Operational Assessment — a comprehensive review of our internal structure, partnerships and alignment with peer education foundations. And this spring, we adopted a new Strategic Plan that will guide our priorities through 2030.
The result is a renewed vision, firmly rooted in the Foundation’s original purpose but responsive to today’s realities. As the educational environment becomes increasingly complex and, in some cases, less supportive of public education, our response is clear. We’re doubling down. We remain deeply committed to public schools and to the instructional core defined by Dr. Richard Elmore of Harvard University: students, teachers and meaningful content.
This moment builds on a long-standing strength of the Foundation. We’ve never shied away from asking hard questions or preparing for what’s next. Our new strategy is bold, thoughtful and responsive. It will guide how we fund innovation, support educators and build statewide partnerships.
To those who have walked with us on this journey — thank you. And to those just joining us — welcome. Our work is more urgent than ever, and we’re honored to continue it in service to Ohio’s public schools.
Anne Juster Board Chair | President
Check out this video from Anne, the first female chair of the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, as she reflects on the Foundation’s history and shares how we continue to honor and elevate the teaching profession today.
Grantmaking
The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation offers two primary grant programs to support educators and organizations dedicated to enhancing public education in Ohio. All grants align with one of two themes: Deep Learning or Excellent Teaching.
Open Grants
Open Grants are designed for public school districts and nonprofit organizations collaborating with public schools in Ohio. These grants aim to fund projects that have a lasting impact on student learning and teaching. Typical grant amounts are around $15,000, with a range from $4,000
Grants-to-Educators
Grants-to-Educators support PK-12 public school teachers and administrators in Ohio. These grants encourage educators to implement innovative, smaller-scale projects within their classrooms, schools or districts. The maximum grant
2024 Grant Awards
1,000 Ties
Financial Literacy & SEL for Success
$15,000
Allen County Educational Service Center
Careers Academy - Pathways to Success
$11,200
America SCORES Cleveland
SCORES Literacy, Fitness & Youth Development
$15,000
Anthony Wayne Local Schools
Continuing SEL and Behavior Needs
$17,000
Apollo’s Fire Baroque
2024-2025 Apollo’s Fire Workshops
$15,000
Art Possible Ohio
Adaptation, Integration, and the Arts
$10,000
ARTFUL Ohio Inc.
Batrachomyomachia-A Tiny Homeric Epic
$10,000
Arts Commission of Greater Toledo Inc.
Young Artists at Work (YAAW)
$18,000
Arts Impact Incorporated
SEL Through Arts Integration
$20,000
Athens Meigs Educational Service Center
Project RISE Paid Internship Initiative
$22,500
Baldwin Wallace University
CMSD Partnership
$30,000
Ballet Metropolitan Inc.
BalletMet Dance-in-Schools 2024-25
$10,000
to $55,000, and are awarded for one year. Applicants may reapply for continued funding based on the outcomes of their final evaluation reports. The Foundation reviews Open Grant applications multiple times a year, with specific deadlines and funding dates outlined on our website.
amount is $3,000, and funds must be utilized within one year. Applications are reviewed multiple times annually, with deadlines and funding dates provided on the Foundation’s website.
Benjamin Logan Local Schools
Writing Across the Curriculum, Year 2
$10,000
Berkshire Local Schools
Preschool Sensory Room and AAC Support
$11,004
Boys Hope Girls Hope of Northeastern Ohio
The Academy Program
$20,000
Breakthrough Cincinnati Inc.
2025 Summer Scholars Program
$10,000
Brooklyn City Schools
Maximizing Potential for SWDs
$15,000
Page to Stage: Transforming Literacy Education
$8,800
Buck Out Foundation Camp Outside
$15,000
Building Bridges to Careers Inc.
Student & Teacher Agency for Pathway Success
$27,000
Canal Winchester Local Schools
STEAM Camps at Winchester Trail Elementary
$14,500
Canton Symphony Orchestra Association
Kinder Concert: My Orchestra
$5,000
Cardinal Local Schools
Hooked on Huskies: Cardinal Phonics
$17,784
Case Western Reserve University
SEO/YES Program
$25,000
Center for Arts-Inspired Learning
ArtWorks Summer 2024
$17,000
Children’s Defense Fund
Student Wellness-Whole Child Education
$31,005
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
PROJECT38: 2024-2025 School Year
$10,000
City Year Inc.
Whole Schools, Whole Child (2024-25)
$20,000
CityMusic Cleveland
Exploration of West African Culture
$10,000
Grant in Action
The Scientific Enrichment and Opportunity/ Youth Engaged in Science (SEO/YES) Program operates for eight weeks each summer at Case Western Reserve University, providing approximately 80 youth from about 25 schools an opportunity to work hands on in biomedical research labs. Students emerge from the program with excitement, interest and motivation to complete high school, attend college, and pursue careers in biomedical research and health sciences.
2024 Grantmaking Summary
$3.5 million Students impacted: 2,319,036 Teachers impacted: 284,743 Total grants: 169 Repeat grants: 103 First-time grants: 66
Cleveland Botanical Garden Sprouting Young Scientists
$14,530
Cleveland Classical Guitar Society
CCGS Education Program in CMSD
$10,000
Cleveland Clinic Foundation Middle School Health Career Program
$35,000
Cleveland Council on World Affairs
Model United Nations Program
$15,000
Cleveland Heights-University Heights City Schools Student-Centered Coaching
$32,300
Cleveland Institute of Music
2024-25 CIM Teaching Artist Program
$15,000
Cleveland International Film Festival Inc.
2024 Youth Education Programs
$23,000
Cleveland Metropolitan Schools
Learning Through Arts Integration
$15,000
Wavemaker Program
$20,000
Cleveland Museum of Natural History 2024-2025 Inspire Program with CMSD
$15,000
Cleveland Play House
CARE in 13 CMSD Schools
$30,000
Cleveland Print Room Inc.
In Transformation Photography Residency
$10,000
Cleveland Public Theatre Inc.
Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP)
$15,000
Cleveland School of the Arts Board of Trustees
CSA Dance Program 2024-25
$15,000
Cleveland State University Foundation
First Ring Leadership Academy 2024-25
$20,000
Teacher Licensure for CS Education
$25,000
College Now Greater Cleveland Inc.
Elevating PACE Professional Excellence
$35,000
Higher Education Compact
$25,000
College of Wooster
B-WISER Science Camp for Girls
$15,000
Columbus City Schools
Community Garden and Outdoor Learning
$9,408
Columbus Council on World Affairs
Global Fluency Training
$15,000
Global Scholars Diploma Program
$20,000
Columbus Preparatory Academy
Tower Garden Supplies
$3,650
Columbus Symphony Orchestra Inc
Columbus All City Orchestra 2024
$15,000
Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley EEC Winter Programming
$15,000
Crestwood Local Schools
Inchy Bookworm Vending Machine
$8,000
Cuyahoga Community College Foundation
The Orchestra Program (TOP) FY25
$15,000
Cuyahoga County Public Library Literacy Support for K-3rd Graders
$15,000
Drink Local Drink Tap Inc. Wavemaker Program for 4th-8th Grade
$10,000
East Central Ohio Educational Service Center
Engaging Educators to Lead Students
$40,000
Grant in Action
The East Cleveland Neighborhood Center has sponsored a successful Summer Enrichment Reading program for the past 14 years. The literacy-based program is designed to prevent summer reading loss using a culturally enriched curriculum that fosters interaction, engagement and critical thinking.
Martha Holden Jennings Foundation Executive Director Renée Willis had the privilege of seeing this grant in action when she read to students at the Freedom School on Banned Books Day. of ESCs
East Cleveland Neighborhood Center Inc
STEAM Module
$16,706
Economics Center for Education and Research
2024-2025 Student Enterprise Program
$10,000
Edison Local Schools
Mental Health Awareness
$4,603
Educational Service Center of Central Ohio
OSU Student Leadership Research Collaborative
$22,500
Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio
School-Based Social-Emotional Strategies
$9,947
Educational Service Center of Lake Erie West
Aspiring Teacher Internship 2024
$5,700
Educational Service Center of Lorain County Empower AI: Prompt Engineering for Educators
$15,000
Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio
First Ring Student Leadership Institute
$20,000
Ohio 8 Coalition 2024-2025
$20,000
Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve Three Signature Tutoring Programs
$35,000
Effective Leadership Academy
SEL and Leadership Training for Students
$10,000
Erase the Space
Sustainable Local History Research
$18,950
Esperanza Inc.
Academic Success for Hispanic Youth
$10,000
Jennings Association Membership Fund
$18,358
Allows the Foundation to become a member of associations that share similar goals
Jennings Awards of Excellence
$25,347
Various awards for exceptional educators across the state of Ohio
Jennings Educators Summit
$49,144
Annual retreat for educational leaders
Kent State University Foundation
Becoming a Brave Teacher
$25,360
Bringing EL Students’ Strengths
$15,082
National Writing Project Summer Institute
$15,175
Vulnerable Youth: Writing Our Lives
$19,000
Lake Erie Inc. - A Writing Space for Youth
Audio Storytelling Workshop
$9,896
Lakewood City Schools
Coding Experiences for Young Learners
$15,000
Leadership Lake County Inc.
Youth Programs FY 2024
$15,000
Learning About Business Inc.
LAB Week 2024
$12,000
Lesbian Gay Bisexual & Transgender Community
Center of Greater Cleveland
LGBTQ+ School-Based Programming
$15,000
Licking Heights Local Schools
Eureka Project
$11,200
Facing History and Ourselves Inc.
ELA Professional Development
$20,000
Northeast Ohio Partner Schools Network
$20,000
Fairfield City Schools
The Grid Method: Mastery Learning
$15,000
Firelands Local Schools
Coaching for ELA Middle School Teachers
$10,400
Elementary Arts Programming by C.A.L.
$4,320
Footpath Foundation
Discover Your Path
$20,000
Friendly Inn Settlement, Inc.
Creative Futures: STEAM Exploration
$15,000
Goshen Local Schools
Implementing Instructional Rounds
$15,000
Granville Exempted Village Schools
Students Lead the Way ’24-’25
$40,000
Great Lakes Museum of Science, Environment, and Technology
GLSC’s Robotics Initiative
$20,000
Jennings Elevate Community of Practice
$24,000
A cohort of Ohio teachers examine teaching through the lens of student learning experiences
Jennings-Fund for Teachers
$99,513
Supports teachers’ self-determined professional growth and development in order to enrich their own practice
Jennings Grants-to-Educators
$116,894
Grants up to $3,000 to Ohio classroom teachers and administrators
Literacy Cooperative of Greater Cleveland
Professional Excellence Series
$50,000
Lorain City Schools
PK Collaborative Coaching and PD
$22,500
Lorain Historical Society
Lorain Early Learning Initiative
$15,000
Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
Stop the Hate: Youth Sing Out
$15,000
Marietta College STREAM Camp
$15,000
Marlington Local Schools
Farewell to Old, Hello to New Ways
$15,000
MetroHealth Foundation Inc.
The MetroHealth SAFE Project
$10,000
Miami County Educational Service Center
Literacy for ALL
$30,000
Miami University
Early Career Teacher Communities of Practice
$30,000
Great Lakes Theater Festival Inc.
School Residencies 2024-25
$20,000
Greater Cincinnati Arts & Education Center
Primary Instrumental Music Program
$10,000
Greater Cleveland Urban Film Foundation
GCUFF Amplifying Youth Voices Programming
$15,000
Hancock County Educational Service Center
Promoting Mastery Learning 2024-2025
$15,000
Ideastream
2024 NewsDepth
$20,000
Indian Hill Exempted Village Schools
Educator Leadership Academy
$20,000
International Student Services Association Inc.
ESL Students Success and Development
$12,944
Invent Now Inc.
2024 Camp Invention Program
$14,520
iSPACE Inc.
iSPACE STEM Educator Academy (iSEA)
$15,000
Jennings Opportunity Grants
$10,000
Grants up to $1,000 to schools and educational organizations for innovative projects
Jennings Summer Mathematics Institutes
$41,296
Institute designed to improve the skills of Ohio’s mathematics teachers
Jennings Teachers Honoring Teachers
$10,000
Engages teachers in recognizing and honoring their peers’ exemplary practice
Middletown City Schools
Morphing into Readers
$20,000
Midwest Regional Educational Service Center
Hands On Writing to Give Students a Voice
$6,436
Minds Matter
Summer College Immersion Programs
$30,000
Montessori Development Partnerships
Coaching for Teacher Transformation
$30,000
Motogo
Bringing Shop Class to CMSD Schools
$12,500
Muse Machine Inc.
Summer Institute & Extended Activities
$15,000
Musical Arts Association
Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra
$40,000
Crescendo in the CMSD 2023-2024
$15,000
Musical Theater Project
Next Steps: Kids Love Musicals!
$10,000
Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center
Science of Reading
$5,586
North Canton City Schools
Building Community Connections in N. Canton
$8,000
North Ridgeville City Schools
The Grid Method: Mastery Learning
$15,000
Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra Inc.
School Clinics with Underrepresented Artists
$16,969
Ohio Energy Project
STEM Design Challenge
$13,900
Ohio Excels
Ohio Excels: Complete to Compete
$15,000
Osnaburg Local Schools
Expanding STEM through Mastery
$15,000
Ottawa Hills Local Schools
Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
$14,500
Partnerships for Authentic Learning and Leadership System of Support: Next Steps
$30,000
PAST Foundation
How Green is Your Footprint?
$31,200
Philanthropy Ohio
2024 Education Policy Support
$20,000
Piqua Arts Council
Piqua Arts Council Creative Classrooms
$15,000
Playhouse Square Foundation
Virtual Classroom Connections Workshops
$35,000
Rainey Institute
El Sistema@Rainey Music Program
$15,000
Grant in Action
At last year’s Minds Matter Annual Showcase, Chardon Black, Jr., a Cleveland Metropolitan School District student, shared his experience studying at Georgetown University during the summer of 2024. He began classes at Princeton University in the fall and was also named a Presidential Scholar under President Biden.
Minds Matter connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation and possibilities to succeed in college, create their career, and change the world. The program requires a three-year commitment and involves weekly academic sessions, including ACT prep, writing and critical thinking courses, mentorship to build educational, professional, and personal skills, and a senior social impact project. Sophomores and juniors attend summer programs at four-year colleges and universities, which teach them how to enroll in collegelevel courses, practice time management and communication skills, earn college credit, and explore their academic interests.
Reading Community City Schools
Formative Instruction Transformation
$15,000
Refugee Response
Teen Response Program
$15,000
Ridgedale Local Schools
Journey to Excellent Teaching
$10,000
Rise Up: Northeast Ohio
Immersive Scientific Learning
$50,700
Roots of American Music Inc.
Blues is the Backbone Music Program
$15,000
S.H.I.N.E. Girlz/S.H.I.N.E. Brothers
Miles Park School Money Explorers Project
$15,000
Say Yes
Cleveland Scholarship Inc.
Say Yes Scholarship Fund
$50,000
Science Education Council of Ohio
SECO Ambitious Science 2.0
$14,884
Shaker Lakes Regional Nature Center
Experiential Science Programs for CMSD
$12,500
Southwest Licking Local Schools
Supporting Students in Structured Literacy
$7,762
Spice Acres Field Kitchen Inc.
Understanding Our Community Food System
$24,058
Springfield City Schools
PAES Lab
$13,175
Swanton Local Schools
What Does a Grade Mean?
$15,000
Tallmadge City Schools
Mastering Engaging Learning
$15,000
Teach for America Inc.
Targeted Support of Ohio Teachers
$35,000
The Brilliance School
Strengthening Classroom Instruction
$12,000
The City Club of Cleveland
City Club Educational Engagement
$25,500
Tiffin City Schools
TC Biotechnology Initiative
$8,691
Toledo Science Center Engineering for Confidence
$12,825
Union Local Schools
Workplace Wellness
$20,000
United Local Schools
United Learning for a United Future
$21,000
University Circle Incorporated
Connecting Educators with Circle Programming
$15,000
University of Cincinnati Foundation
Early IT Teacher Lead Fellows
$18,000
GCSC Makers in Education Intensive
$25,000
University School
Entrepreneurship Education for Educators
$15,000
Upper Sandusky Exempted Village Schools
Upper Sandusky Tier I Explicit Instruction
$33,537
VH1 Save the Music Foundation
Columbus Music Saves
$35,000
Wellington Exempted Village Schools
Connecting Coding/STEM With Content
$15,000
Wellity Education
Mindfulness at Licking County Schools
$25,000
Western Reserve Historical Society
Youth Entrepreneurship Education
$15,000
Westerville City Schools
Deeper Digging
$30,000
Wexner Center Foundation
Arts-Integrated K-12 Learning Programs
$10,000
Wooster City Schools
Metacognition in Mathematics Part 2
$15,000
Young Men’s Christian Association
Arthur Holden Leadership Institute
$55,000
Youngstown City Schools
Youngstown STEAM Storytellers Program
$15,000
Youth Opportunities Unlimited Career Internships for CMSD Youth
$25,000
Educator Awards
Arthur S. Holden Science Teacher of the Year Award
$8,077
George B. Chapman, Jr. Teacher of the Year Award
$7,796
George B. Milbourn Team Teachers of the Year Award
$8,093
Ohio Master Teacher Award
$7,816
Ohio Superintendent of the Year Award
$10,214
Fund for Teachers
Fund for Teachers is a national organization based in Houston, Texas, that supports educators’ efforts to develop skills, knowledge and confidence that impact student achievement. The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation is proud to be a local partner that helps fund summer fellowships worldwide for teachers who think big. Fellows are celebrated at the annual Educators Awards banquet, held in July.
2024
Summary
19 fellows
7 individual projects
5 teams
USA-Arizona, Utah, Wyoming Bunsen and Beaker
Rebecca Buchenic, Marla Dull
USA-Hawaii
Team Panther
Vickie Geglein, Julie Hagaman, Patricia Tobias
Belize Burgeoning in Belize
Jennifer Reid Jennifer Stormer
Costa Rica
Kattia Romero Mora
Ecuador
Euclid Ecuadorian Explorers
Gail Bowers-Craig, Tameka Easley, Jennifer Zele
Jennings - FFT 2024 Fellowships
Jennings - FFT 2024 Fellowships
Jennings - FFT 2024 Fellowships
France, Italy, Switzerland, USA - New York Abigail Daniels
Iceland Nickele Morgan
Netherlands Robert Carroll
Cuba Abiola Adeyemon
Greece Nicholas Kroger
Italy
All Roads Lead to Rome
Brittany Hicks, Maria Matyac
Australia
Eleni Yargo
Fund for Teachers Spotlight
Meet Daneé Pinckney! Daneé’s journey with the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation began when her superintendent nominated her as a Master Teacher of the Year. That one nomination unlocked new opportunities for her, her students and her school! Since then, she has been named the 2025 Ohio Teacher of the Year and traveled to Africa through the Jennings Fund for Teachers, bringing lessons on identity and ancestry back to her classroom in the Twinsburg City Schools.
Scan the QR code to hear more about her story.
Jennings Award Winners
Each year, the Jennings Foundation recognizes outstanding educators in five categories:
• Arthur S. Holden Science Teacher of the Year
• George B. Chapman, Jr. Math Teacher of the Year
• Ohio Master Teacher of the Year
• George B. Milbourn Team Teachers of the Year
• Ohio Superintendent of the Year
Fellow staff members and leadership nominate teachers. Teacher awardees receive a $7,500 grant while the superintendent awardee receives $10,000 for their district. All winners are also recognized at our Annual Educators Awards Banquet.
2024 Winners
ARTHUR S. HOLDEN SCIENCE TEACHER OF THE YEAR:
Daniell Cossey
Trotwood-Madison City Schools
Daniell’s classroom reflects her commitment to inclusive education, where every student’s voice is heard. She launched her school’s STEM program to connect students with work-based learning and led a hydroponic gardening project. Her involvement in the Ohio STEM Teacher cohort and her National STEM certification demonstrate her focus on improving project-based learning and creating a strong, student-centered classroom culture.
GEORGE B. CHAPMAN, JR. MATH TEACHER OF THE YEAR:
Dr. Paula Clark
Eastlake North High School
Dr. Paula Clark is a dedicated educator whose passion for mathematics and commitment to excellence inspire both students and colleagues. She empowers students to think independently, explore new ideas and see the real-world value of math. In her classroom, students feel supported to take risks and grow. As Mathematics Department Chair, Dr. Clark has led efforts that improved student outcomes and sparked new energy for math across all levels. Known for her integrity, empathy and collaborative spirit, she is respected as both a scholar and an innovator.
Carla Haas and Rebecca Widener
Twinsburg City Schools
Carla Haas and Rebecca Widener are outstanding educators who exemplify the power of teamwork in teaching. With more than 50 years of combined experience, they challenge gifted students to reach their full potential through creative, high-level instruction. While each brings a unique teaching style, their shared commitment to excellence, equity and student voice defines their work. They integrate social-emotional learning, foster collaboration and help students develop a growth mindset.
OHIO MASTER TEACHER OF THE YEAR:
Rena Ford
West Clermont Local Schools
Rena Ford sees teaching as a calling to help students. She meets the needs of gifted, diverse learners through real-world, hands-on projects that build critical thinking skills and a love for learning. As a mentor and advocate, she shares her expertise with colleagues and leads efforts to promote equity — most notably by addressing bias in standardized testing.
OHIO SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR:
Steve Chiaro
Warren City Schools
Steve Chiaro is a visionary leader who embodies the values of Deep Learning and Excellent Teaching. From teacher to superintendent/CEO, his career at Warren City Schools reflects a deep commitment to student success. His leadership has advanced rigorous academics, inclusive practices, and a culture that fosters student and staff success. He invests in professional development, equipping educators with tools for continuous growth, and has built lasting community partnerships that enhance student safety and support. Colleagues describe him as a leader who removes barriers and inspires excellence.
GEORGE B. MILBOURN TEAM TEACHERS OF THE YEAR:
Champions for Education
Mary Kay Binder: Nearly 40 Years of Storytelling and Service
For nearly four decades, Mary Kay Binder was the voice behind the Foundation’s work, capturing the impact of our grants and awards through compelling stories and photographs. As Editor, she traveled to 83 of Ohio’s 88 counties, visiting schools, meeting educators and sharing
Tribute to Kathy Kooyman
The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation would like to express its deepest gratitude to Kathy Kooyman for her commitment and significant contribution to the Foundation over the past 53 years.
She has been a cornerstone of our organization, supporting teachers, students and educational initiatives and leaving a lasting impact.
their successes. Her work brought visibility to the people and programs that make education better across the state. Mary Kay retired at the end of 2024, leaving behind a legacy.
Kathy was a mentor and colleague of mine at the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation for 18 years. She consistently dedicated her time to assisting numerous teachers and others within the education community. It was a pleasure working with her. I extend my best wishes to her as she embarks on her well-deserved retirement.
— Billie Pandy, Martha Holden Jennings Foundation Executive Assistant
2024 Financial Snapshot
$2,574,320 $2,593,961 $3,529,755 $79,273,864
Innovation in Action: Educators Summit on Artificial Intelligence
One of the goals of the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation is to educate the educator through relevant and timely professional development. Last year, MHJF offered a day-long educators’ retreat on the topic of AI. The day covered:
• An overview of AI, including how it has evolved and common myths and facts
• Hands-on experience with key AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and Perplexity
• Discussion on ethical concerns and academic integrity around AI
• Roadmapping strategies for adopting AI
• Best practices for building AI guidelines and policies
Looking ahead, the Foundation is sending several educators to a larger conference on this topic in 2025.
Amanda Bickerstaff led the AI Summit. She is the cofounder and CEO of AI for Education. A former high school biology teacher and EdTech executive, she has 20+ years of experience in the education sector. She has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that AI presents. She is a frequent consultant, speaker and writer on the topic of AI in education, leading workshops and professional learning across both K12 and higher ed. Amanda is committed to helping schools and teachers maximize their potential through the ethical and equitable adoption of AI.
Mrs. Anne C. Juster Chair | President Former Board Chair, Facing History and Ourselves
Mrs. Debra H. Guren Vice-President President & CEO, The Hershey Foundation
Mr. Thomas A. Richlovsky
Board of Directors
Former Executive Vice President, PNC Financial Services Corporation
Distribution Committee
Mrs. Jane Neubauer, Committee Chair
Dr. James V. Connell
Mrs. Habeebah Grimes
Mrs. Doreen E. Osmun
Mr. Kyle G. Rose
Mr. Michael R. Sheppard
Dr. Bernice M. Stokes
Dr. Jack Thompson
Dr. Sajit Zachariah
Evaluators
Mrs. Margaret S. Connell
Dr. Reva Cosby
Mr. Paul J. Cynkar
Mrs. Marsha Dobrzynski
Ms. Nadine Grimm
Mrs. Sharon Arko Jones
Dr. Thomas J. Lasley
Dr. James W. Mahoney
Dr. William Wagner
Mr. Derran Wimer
Staff
Dr. Renée T. Willis Executive
Director
Mrs. Billie Pandy Executive
Assistant
Ms. Christine Nestor Business Manager
