Bright Minds Foundation, the educational foundation of the Howard County Public School System, and HCPSS announce a new matching donation opportunity for the emergency Access to Learning Fund, which is raising money for education access supports for HCPSS students during the coronavirus school closure. As of May 1, 2020, donations received will be matched dollar for dollar up to $15,000, thanks to The Kahlert Foundation.

“We’re grateful to The Kahlert Foundation for their incredible support during this unprecedented time for our students, who need the essential resources and supports to continue their learning from home,” said HCPSS Superintendent Michael J. Martirano. “Thanks to the generosity of The Kahlert Foundation, and all our donors, we have made significant progress in supporting our students with remote learning.”

The Access to Learning Fund is meeting student needs as they arise during the school closure. So far, the fund has enabled purchases for: more than 3,000 school supply packets including paper and pencils; 25 adaptive switches to activate assistive technology devices for students with special needs; and hotspots and three months of internet service for 50 families.

To date, more than 140 donors have contributed more than $27,000 to the Access to Learning Fund.

“Every level of donation helps to support students, from a $2 contribution to buy an elementary school supply packet; to a $40 donation, which can buy an adaptive switch; to a $120 donation, which can provide internet connectivity for three months. We hope the community will take up the challenge of raising matching funds to support the Access to Learning Fund,” said Bright Minds Executive Director Liz Crammond.

Contributions to the Access to Learning Fund may be made in the following ways:

• Here on the Bright Minds website under DONATE
• Text HCPSS to 501-55
• Mail a check to the Bright Minds Foundation, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Please designate “Access to Learning Fund” in the comment field.

For more information, please email Bright Minds Foundation Executive Director Liz Crammond at liz@brightmindsfoundation.org.

Bright Minds Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and the educational foundation of the Howard County Public School System. Bright Minds enhances the educational opportunities of all Howard County public school students by bringing together private and community support for academic initiatives and opportunities. We help level the playing field so all students have a chance to succeed.

More information about the school system’s response to COVID-19 and the HCPSS Continuity of Learning plan are available online.