Partnerships

The foundation regularly partners with organizations in our community to provide robust and enriching opportunities for our students that stretch beyond the classroom. A few examples of these partnerships are:

Weber State University College Bound Event: This partnership allows our students to spend time on a university campus and realize that a college education is possible, encouraging them to pursue education beyond high school graduation. As part of this yearly event, students interact with WSU student leaders and athletes, tour the campus, and attend a men's basketball game. Even though our students live in Ogden, many have never visited Weber State or considered that they might be able to go on to higher education. This program help to create a "When I go to college" mindset, rather than "If I go to college." The goal to attend college can change a child's life.  

students at Weber State  University

 


Early Literacy Night: In partnership with the Ogden School District, the foundation helps fund and organize an Early Literacy Night to assist efforts in early literacy and family engagement/support. Every first grader in the district participates in this reading program, which aims to get students excited about reading. Each student receives a book to call their very own and is encouraged to read with a "big" (such as a parent, grandparent, or older sibling). The event also includes an assembly where students learn from a professional children's author about the making of some of their favorite books, and culminates with a Family Literacy Night, where students and families get to interact with reading in a fun and immersive way. This event is always a big hit!

students with books and at literacy event

 


Hale Center Theatre Story Weavers: In partnership with Hale Center Theatre, the foundation offers the HCT Story Weavers to all Ogden School District students. Like the storytellers of old, this is a "troupe-in-a-trunk" group that specializes in moral-based story teaching, encouraging students to open their imaginations, think critically about stories and characters, and get up on their feet to join in the fun! In visits to our elementary schools, the Story Weavers present two interactive performances based on grade level, as well as participate in a short Q & A with students. Our secondary theater students have the opportunity to visit HCT and get a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility before watching one of their shows. This experience is a unique chance for our students to interact with professional actors and production staff.

students with Hale Center Theatre actors

 


Unified Sports - Special Olympics of Utah: Together with the district, the foundation sponsors Unified Sports Teams through Special Olympics of Utah. This program promotes social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences, with teams made up of an equal number of people with and without intellectual disabilities. Teams are created from both of our high schools as well as the district Special Education Program. These hardworking athletes practice with their peer mentors as part of their PE curriculum and compete in tournaments throughout the region. This is an incredibly impactful experience for these students and the entire school community who support them.

Special Olympic student athletes