Dedicated to the mission of building a strong and healthy community by bringing resources together in support of PK-12 education, the Success Foundation's central vision is to create a venue for advancing youth education. The local organization works to accomplish this through strong partnerships, diverse collaboration, progressive planning, financial support and advocacy.
Most recently, the Success Foundation is proudly celebrating its partnership with School District 6 in providing SmartLab learning environments for all students.
Heralded as "the next step in learning," SmartLabs engage all learners in a hands-on, project-based approach in which Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) disciplines are engaged.
SmartLab sessions are highly personalized and empower students to shape their learning to meet their individual interests, abilities and styles. SmartLabs contribute to the development of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, effective application of technology and creativity.
Spearheaded by Greeley-Evans School District 6 Superintendent Dr. Deidre Pilch, this initiative stemmed from Dr. Pilch’s vision during a tour of similar spaces, believing it would greatly benefit children in District 6. Aligned with the District's Innovation2030 plan, SmartLab implementation commenced in 2019 and will conclude in 2024, with the final four labs set for installation this summer.
"This is our largest fundraising project to date — raising over $4 million — and we are so grateful to all the donors who have made the project possible," says Julie Hill, Success Foundation Executive Director.
"We could not have done this without former board member, Mike Shoop, who chaired our fundraising committee and was instrumental to our efforts."
Upon completion, 21 labs will be available district-wide, spanning elementary, middle and K-8 levels — making District 6 the nation's largest SmartLab adopter. Success Foundation donors primarily funded the project, with mill levy override dollars sustaining it.
"SmartLabs are allowing us to enhance our career pathway programs," cheers Dr. Pilch.
"This is a great example of our community coming together to support education!" concludes Julie.
"We are so grateful to all the donors who have made this project possible."