The Foundation For Allen Schools was established to support and expand the learning experience for students and teachers across Allen ISD. This mission comes to life through three focus areas: Educational Grant Program, Student Scholarship Awards, and Teacher Support and Recognition Program.
Grants from the foundation bring innovation and enrichment directly into Allen ISD classrooms. These grants empower teachers to implement creative and challenging learning experiences. Whether it's a specialized microscope for a biology lab, funding for an extra field trip, or providing a campus visit from an author, artist, or musician, these grants spark student curiosity and deepen learning.
“Math by the Book is a great example of the impact foundation grants have in our Allen ISD classrooms,” explains Regina Taylor, foundation director. “This grant provided specifically selected books for every kindergarten and first grade classroom across the district. The concepts in the books make connections between math and other curriculum areas such as science, reading, and comprehension, and even ways to problem solve. Math is brought to life in a very fun and meaningful way.” Over the last three school years, the books have been used by more than 8,100 elementary students.
Student scholarships are a significant part of the work of the foundation. Each year, the foundation awards on average 175 scholarships to graduating seniors to help them pursue post-secondary education, whether at a community college, trade school, or university. These scholarships are all locally funded, and the foundation works with families, civic groups, businesses, and alumni who wish to support graduating Eagles.
“I am so honored that the foundation is here to work with our scholarship donors. Often, we help families establish a memorial scholarship, and many have told us that it gives them great comfort that their loved one can be remembered in such a positive way while helping a student pursue their goals,” added Taylor. “We also have many companies that provide a scholarship for specific fields of study, helping them grow their future workforce!” A named scholarship can be established by contacting the foundation and must be a minimum of $1,000. To date, the foundation has awarded 1,921 scholarships to Allen High School graduates worth $1.9 million.
Teachers are at the heart of student success. The foundation’s third focus invests in programs that support, retain, and recognize educators. These include funding for the district’s teacher tuition reimbursement program for educators working on special certifications or graduate degrees, supporting the Teacher of the Year recognitions, and assisting with special campus events.
One major initiative is the Mentor Teacher Program, fully funded by the foundation for $80,000 annually. Through this program, 200 experienced teachers mentor every first-year teacher in the district. Mentors receive special training, a stipend, and a detailed roadmap to guide their mentees. “This support structure addresses a critical challenge in education,” Taylor explained. “It is vital to retain new teachers as so many leave the profession within their first five years. The foundation is dedicated to helping recognize and inspire our classroom educators.”
Thanks to the foundation’s support, teachers gain resources and training, students receive enriched, engaging learning experiences, and the community has specific opportunities to be involved—all helping to build a strong, vibrant educational community in Allen ISD.
To learn more and get involved, visit www.AISDfoundation.org, email the foundation director at regina.taylor@allenisd.org, or call the office at 972-727-0362, extension 401462.