Our Mission
The North Thurston Education Foundation mobilizes the resources necessary to provide basic needs, enrich programs, and enhance educational opportunities for the students and staff of North Thurston Public Schools.
Our vision is that every student, regardless of their financial circumstances, has the opportunity to excel and achieve their dreams.
What We Do
At the North Thurston Education Foundation, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
We partner with North Thurston Public Schools to remove barriers to student success. From meeting immediate basic needs to expanding educational opportunities and supporting students after graduation, we help ensure every student has the resources, encouragement, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
Meeting Basic Needs
Students cannot focus fully on learning when they lack everyday essentials. That’s why we provide funding to every school in the North Thurston Public Schools district to help students that qualify for Free & Reduced Lunch Program receive the support they need, when they need it.
These funds may be used for:
- School supplies and classroom fees
- Clothing and shoes
- Food and hygiene items
- ASB cards and activity fees
- Sports physicals, uniforms, and equipment
- Medications
- Field trips, instrument rentals, and after-school activities
- Other essential needs that help students remain healthy, confident, and engaged in school
By providing these resources directly through school staff, support can be delivered quickly, discreetly, and with dignity.
Supporting Homeless Students & Families
Students experiencing homelessness face significant barriers to academic success and are far less likely to graduate. We work closely with the district's McKinney-Vento Liaison and Family & Youth Resource Center to provide additional funds and support for students and families experiencing housing instability.
Our assistance also provides one-time Emergency Rental Assistance to help families remain housed or quickly regain stable housing when they qualify, Utility Assistance for families that have their water or power shut off, and The NTPS Kids Closet, where students can shop for new clothing, shoes, and other essentials in a welcoming environment that helps preserve dignity and choice.
Expanding Access to Learning
Some of the most meaningful learning happens beyond the classroom. Field trips, hands-on projects, enrichment activities, and innovative classroom experiences inspire curiosity, build confidence, and help students connect learning to the world around them.
Through our Learning Improvement Grants, we fund creative classroom projects and help educators meet unmet needs so financial barriers never limit a student's opportunity to learn, explore, and succeed.
Empowering Students Through Scholarships
Our commitment to students continues beyond high school graduation.
Each year, the North Thurston Education Foundation awards approximately 30–35 scholarships to graduating seniors, with many providing support for multiple years. These scholarships help students pursue college, university, technical education, apprenticeships, and other post-secondary pathways.
By investing in students at this pivotal moment, we help open doors to meaningful careers, financial stability, and brighter futures.
Building Stronger Futures Together
Everything we do is made possible through the generosity of donors, volunteers, educators, businesses, and community partners who believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed.
Together, we are removing barriers, creating opportunities, and helping North Thurston Public Schools students build brighter futures.