Who does the Foundation serve?

Because most of our programs take place in classrooms during the school day, we reach almost all of the 5,300+ K-8 students attending a District 97 school, and many students experience several of our programs. We serve our racially, culturally and economically diverse student body, which is 55.6% White, 29.8% Black, 6.9% Multiracial, 3.9% Hispanic, 3.6% Asian, .1% Native American, with 16.3% having low income. Since 1990, our programs have reached more than 40,000 students!

Do my tax dollars pay for these programs?

No. The Oak Park Education Foundation is a privately-funded, non-profit organization serving the students and teachers of District 97. Over the last 21 years, the Oak Park Education Foundation has raised more than $1.5 million in non-tax revenues for our programs, and has leveraged nearly 50,000 hours in volunteer time.

What's happening at my school?

Community experts are busy experimenting, designing, dancing, crafting and building with kids in more than 140 classrooms plus after school clubs this year. For specific information about which classrooms our participating at each school, contact Deb Abrahamson at 708-524-3023.

What do participants say about these programs?

"Any time you bring arts into the classroom, the existing curriculum is greatly enhanced." --Scott Naber, 2nd grade teacher

"Having the artist in the classroom is professional development for the teacher." --Jane Lambshead, 2nd grade teacher

"Science Alliance partnerships are some of the most meaningful learning experiences for the kids." --Seth Baker, 6th grade science teacher

"He's not a sports program participant, so this was a marvelous way for him to be engaged with something. I was amazed to find him become a leader and 'take charge' guy when necessary. He grew highly skilled in problem solving and confident enough to be able to abandon solutions in favor of new solutions and consequences."--Vex Robotics Team parent

"I used to think science was boring. I love science now because of [our Science Alliance scientist]. I wish we had more time with him. I'd trade recess for more time with him." --Joiy'a, 4th grader

"Dr. Friesen did this activity which was from a true mystery that happened to him. There was some blood drops in his hallway, an open door, his dog running around outside and a nick in his dog's ear. Where did the blood come from? How did the dog get out side? What happened to the dog's ear? We had to use science and logic to solve the mystery. You could really get into it." --Emma, 4th grader

"I liked having the chance to work with interesting and smart people on making a robot that you could design any way you wanted. It was fun to just test out my ideas and see if they worked on the robot." --Vex Robotics Team student

"It's so cool to actually have [a Science Alliance scientist] who does this with you. It opens new doors, new ideas. I might even want to do this. You know, I never knew science could be that fun." --4th grader

"Well, first [our scientist] explains things, then he actually lets us do what ever the experiment if and it helps us understand it more....really feel what it is. [The experiment] really lets you be a detective." --Ben, 4th grader

"I love this program. I have found it a great way to push my own work forward by sharing what I do in between workshops with the kids. We become colleagues in our explorations of the media and the subject matter." --Sallie Wolf, Art Start artist

"It was such a fantastic experience for my daughter; she is already trying to recruit some of her girlfriends to join next year. I especially love how her experience encourages her to pursue her interests in science/math/engineering even though they are more commonly male pursuits." --Vex Robotics Team parent

"The most exciting moment was when the paper quilt that they had been working on was finally assembled, and they understood how all the pieces fit together." --Jonathan Franklin, Art Start artist

"What do we remember from school? Another assessment? I don't think so! We remember the unusual, the different projects, and the giggles that go with it!" --Art Start 2nd grade teacher

"Our artist has been working with us for five years. At this point she has taught dance to every Lincoln student who has had the pleasure of being here in first grade. Our collaboration with Hubbard St. Dance through the Art Start program is invaluable!" --Art Start 1st grade teacher

If you have additional questions, please contact Deb Abrahamson at (708) 524-3023, dabrahamson@op97.org, 970 Madison Street, Oak Park IL 60302.