What do we fund?

We raise private support so that our public schools have the ability to provide the highest quality education for ALL our students. We know that strong, healthy schools contribute to a strong and healthy community, and we believe that every child in Anacortes has a right to the best education available anywhere.

We fund DISCOVERY

STEM support for elementary, middle and high school students

For the past decade, ASF has worked with the district to match STEM curriculum with grade-wide enrichment and hands-on experiences. Some of the STEM programs we support:

Fidalgo, Island View and Mount Erie Elementary Schools:

• Field trips to Padilla Bay, Island Adventures Salish Sea Science Trip, Spark Museum and Mountain School
• Science classroom equipment including digital microscopes, 3-D printers, Snap Circuits, Invent Kits and more

Anacortes Middle School:

• NEW 7th Grade Salish Sea Discovery Trip
• Garden to Kitchen support including a new greenhouse
• Classroom equipment including microscopes and a FitLight system

Anacortes High School:

• Support for Green Club projects
• Over 40 STEM specific scholarships offered annually for students planning to study engineering, math, environment and the sciences

We fund DREAMS

ASF has been awarding scholarships since 1984

With just one application, students have access to 145 scholarships totaling more than $350,000 in awards. Scholarships are open to students pursuing 4-year and 2-year degrees or vocational pathways.

We fund HOPE

Schools can play an important role in helping children and youth get access to mental health

When struggling with depression, anxiety or other mental health issues, working on assignments and attending classes can become next to impossible. That is why ASF is committed to funding social workers in our schools and providing access to programs like RULER which help students kindergarten through 5th grade learn to use their emotions effectively, improving everything from decision-making and judgment to physical and mental health.

We fund PRIDE

Backpacks, supplies, books, clothing and so much more

Our annual Ready to Learn Fair helps students start the school year off on the right foot. ASF provides school essentials including backpacks, supplies, haircuts, socks and underwear and critical resources to kids who need a little extra help. Our 23rd annual Ready to Learn Fair is scheduled for Saturday, August 19, 2023.

We fund LEARNING

Preschool Scholarships, Impact and School Block Grants

ASF impacts student learning through a variety programs including:

• Preschool Scholarships - preparing kids socially and academically for a successful integration into kindergarten
• Impact K-5 Summer Learning - 4 weeks of targeted support in math, reading and science, plus movement, music and more
• School Block Grants - funds to address the highest needs in each school

We fund CREATIVITY

Visual and Performing Arts have a significant positive impact on academic and social development

ASF supports the visual and performing arts through:

Resident Artists in Schools - a partnership between ASF, the Anacortes Arts Festival and each elementary school's PTA to fund monthly arts classes for all grades Local Artists in Schools, Poetry Outloud and Field trips to MoNA Funding at the middle school and high school level for drama, choir, band, ceramics, drawing, painting, photography and digital media

Please consider joining us in funding discovery, dreams, hope, creativity, learning and pride to help ASF give Anacortes students the strongest foundation possible for their future! Donate today!