Today’s speaker (Emily Wallace Jackson, Executive Director of the Hopkins Education Foundation) was introduced by Jenn St. Clair, who previously served in this position. Jenn provided an overview of Emily’s biography (quite extensive and impressive), which has included considerable experience on many boards and commissions in both the Hopkins Community and Hopkins School District.
Hopkins Education Foundation (HEF) is a nonprofit partnering with the Hopkins Public Schools community to enrich students with new learning experiences and resources; to “kickstart” learning through grants and innovative ideas.
Main points and take aways from Emily’s presentation:
HEF awards grants to teachers and staff for various programs and learning initiatives. Over $141,000 were awarded last year as “Spark Grants”, that are classroom grants for teachers. These grants cover everything from arts to mental health to technology and beyond. They also fund a special project each year, awarded at the annual “Royal Bash”. This past year, $75,000 was awarded for a program related to computer science related work in coding and artificial intelligence, with emphasis on the use of AI ethically and responsibly.
A certified nursing assistance (CNA) lab and program was awarded through the Royal Bash last year to assist students to get certified. It is very popular and there is a huge waiting list.
2025 will be the 30-year anniversary for HEF; one of the first education foundations in MN.
One of the grants mentioned was updating the Royals’ mascot (Lion) with new makeups for both male and female mascots.
Other Spark Grants over the past year:
History of Shakespeare (Alice Smith Elementary)
Cultural History Celebration (Alice Smith Elementary)
Glen Lake Community Reads – Little Free Libraries for Kids - (Glen Lake Elementary)
Meadowbrook Naturescapes – outdoor learning opportunities - (Meadowbrook Elementary)
Create Your Own Golf Course – design of mini-golf course in gymnasium - (Meadowbrook Elementary)
Solar at North – hands on solar energy projects and activities - (North Middle School)
Physical Therapy Trial Items (Hopkins Schools)
Music Classes – (Tanglen Elementary)
Social Wellness – mental wellness tools - (Gatewood Elementary and Tanglen Elementary)
Gatewood Care Farming Program and Outdoor Education (Gatewood Elementary)
There is another category called the “Awesome Fund” where students themselves can submit a grant application. HEF is supported by an endowment that was created by a Hopkins alum who donated $100,000.
HWF Annual Events:
Royal Bash (3-1-25)
Royal Family Fun Day (Spring 2025)
Royal ‘n Rock (September 2025)
Ways to Help:
Volunteer
Donate
Sponsor
Other Comments and Responses to Questions:
Support trends: Special Education and Mental Health, and Technology
Although students are encouraged to continue after high school with a college education, it is acknowledged that college is not necessarily right for all students. As a result, programs that provide job skills and employment opportunities have been created as well. (CNA Program for example).
Hopkins School District is very large geographically. The District touches or includes 7 municipalities, including all of Hopkins and 2/3 of Minnetonka. The District is very diverse and is comprised of 7,000 students; 19% of that total have special needs and 50% from low-income families. Hopkins School District is well known for its services in Special Education. Many of these services are mandated and the District has been successful in attaining federal grants related to such.
The District’s needs are great, as approximately 80% of the District’s budget goes to teachers. There are not enough funds to cover all needs, and approximately 50% of HEF grant applications are turned down.