Students in Need Programs
The Students in Need programs outlined below ensure that all students have the same opportunities regardless of financial barriers. Students must be registered in the Blaine County School District to receive assistance.
If your child is enrolled in the Blaine County School District and you are struggling to afford school meals, click this link for help. Si su hijo está inscrito en el Distrito Escolar del Condado de Blaine y usted tiene dificultades para pagar las comidas escolares, haga clic en este enlace para obtener ayuda.
School Meals
BCEF strives to ensure every BCSD student has access to nutritious school meals. Nearly 40% of our students qualify for federally subsidized free or reduced-price meals, a clear indicator of the financial challenges many families in our community face.
However, many more families experience food insecurity but don’t meet the strict federal income requirements for assistance. As a result, these households fall into a difficult gap – earning too much to qualify for federal support, but not enough to consistently afford nutritious meals.
We are committed to helping families who do not qualify for federal meal programs but still struggle to afford school meals. Hunger should not stand in the way of a child’s education.
Back to School
BCEF provides backpacks filled with essential school supplies to hundreds of students in need every year. This helps ensure every child starts the school year on equal footing with their peers.
To reach as many economically disadvantaged students as possible, we work closely with social workers and BCSD staff to raise awareness and expand access to this critical program.
Can Do Fund
BCEF helps to ensure students are not restricted from essential school experiences because of financial barriers. Our Can Do requests range from instrument repairs for an aspiring musician, to covering a cap and gown for graduation, to paying for college entrance exams. These requests are identified by social workers, counselors, principals, and teachers who see the need firsthand.
For a student, the impact goes far beyond the immediate expense; it’s about belonging. Missing out on school activities can lead to feelings of isolation, shame, and stress. By removing these barriers, the Can Do Fund allows students to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their classmates, experiencing the same milestones and memories.
The Student Impact Legacy Fund
The Blaine County Education Foundation is proud to announce the Student Impact Legacy Fund to honor longtime supporter and founding member of the Blaine County Education Foundation, Lyman Drake.
The Student Impact Legacy Fund honors Lyman Drake by funding the programs that display the greatest need each year as he would have wanted. Donations can honor loved ones who have passed or people who champion and support public education.
The program kicked off with a $10,000 donation from Lyman’s family, Debra, Chloe, Colin, and Calysta, as well as a $5,000 donation from the AGL Foundation.
