From Prison Prep To College Prep
The Patricia & Christopher Weil Family Foundation helps poverty-stricken kids get to college. They find many promising candidates at the Gompers Preparatory Academy, in southeast San Diego, which a few years ago was notorious for widespread violence. At its worst, it was openly called 'a prelude to prison.' But now Gompers has gone from being the worst-ranked school in the state to one of academic achievement—it's a scholastic Cinderella story.
Leveraging An Investment
In working with Gompers students and staff, Chris Weil saw how much time the charter school director, Vince Riveroll, spent pounding the pavement to raise funds for essentials. Hiring a professional fundraiser could make an enormous difference, but more funds were needed to make this happen. Through their membership in San Diego Grantmakers, the Gary & Mary West Foundation, the Jacobs Family Foundation, and the Weil Family Foundation partnered together — creating the dollars to open a fundraising office at the school.
The Result Has Been Astonishing
In one year, Gompers raised $700,000. That meant longer teacher hours, Advanced Placement classes, tutors, computers, parent programs, extended library hours, a math learning center, and many other necessities that improved student performance. In just 3 years, standardized test scores have jumped from 541 to 628.
What Does This Mean About Philanthropy?
"For our family foundation, it's bonded us together. We see the dramatic impact we have. That keeps my wife and I and our kids giving,"says Chris Weil.
"Philanthropic foundations can collaborate to leverage solutions. When I think of the Gompers school partnership, I am struck by the huge difference such collaborations can make. Together, we helped move a school to greatness. It can happen again and again." |
