Keystone Central Foundation Provides Support for KCSD Students and Schools since 1988
By Emily Wright
The Keystone Central Foundation (KCF) has been making tremendous efforts to enhance the educational experience for students in the Keystone Central School District.
KCF is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization that is dedicated to supporting the students and schools in the district. Through various programs and initiatives, KCF aims to provide resources and opportunities to help students succeed in their education and future endeavors.
According to the KCF website, the organization’s mission to support students has stayed the same over the years despite rising costs, stating, “The needs from the district continue to increase. Like schools around the country, opportunities available to students just a few years ago have been cut from budgets completely. Our volunteer board of directors fundraise and collaborates with other organizations to fill these unmet needs for our students.”
According to KCF Executive Director Melissa Bottorf, one of the main ways in which the KCF supports students is through the administration of scholarships at Bucktail Middle/High School and Central Mountain High School each year. By offering these scholarships, the KCF is helping to ensure that students have the opportunity to achieve their academic goals and pursue their chosen career paths.
In addition to scholarships, the KCF also provides mini-grants to K-12 classrooms. These grants are designed to help teachers cover the costs of classroom experiences or needs that are not otherwise covered in their budget. Teachers provide a budget tied to a specific curriculum area and can then apply for a mini-grant of up to $1500. The KCF’s committee then reviews the applications and awards grants based on their merit.
“Just this summer we partnered with the Clinton County Fair to pay the entrance fees for 4th Grade Showcase Projects. We have helped fund the band to participate in Wreaths Across America in Washington DC. Woodward Elementary students will be growing their own produce and hosting a harvest party using a tower garden system purchased with a mini-grant, and we funded a district-wide physical and mental health challenge for all students, faculty, and staff,” Bottorf explained.
Bottorf highlighted a new program that was created last year when a donor reached out to the KCF wanting to develop a new program. In response, KCF created “Keystone Scholars”. Bottorf explained the Keystone Scholars program in depth, “The goal of this program is to empower KCSD high school students to understand the value of advanced education and provide them with the support and resources needed to be successful, productive adults in college and beyond. Although the program is just starting, it’s intended to help potential first-generation college students with leadership development, summer camps/experiences, mentorship, and scholarships to help them succeed in college.”
Bottorf mentioned that KCF has been granted approval by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development as a recipient of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program when asked about the Foundation’s notable achievements and success stories. This program offers a valuable tax incentive for local businesses, who, upon approval, can donate to KCF and receive a tax credit equal to 75% of the contribution in the first year and 90% in the second year.
Thanks to generous donations from local banks and businesses, KCF has been able to make a significant impact on students’ educational experience. In 2022, EITC funds enabled KCF to invest over $50,000 in upgrading the libraries of Central Mountain Middle School and Bucktail Elementary School, transforming them into what Bottorf called, “State-of-the-art “Makerspaces’”. The new furniture and equipment KCF was able to provide in the libraries create a more collaborative learning environment. Bottorf mentioned that in the past, these funds have also supported the costs of AP tests, aquaponics projects, and workshops led by guest artists.
When asked about how KCF raises these funds for the students in the district, Bottorf pointed out a few fundraiser events. ”Our volunteer board of directors plans several signature fundraiser events like our annual ‘Night Flight Golf Tournament’ and our Cash Bingo each year. We are also fortunate to have independent donors and businesses that believe in our mission and support us with ongoing gifts,”.
“We are also thankful for donors who create scholarships in a loved one’s memory or choose us as their charity of choice. We have great flexibility working with donors to match their interests with unmet needs throughout the district or fund existing initiatives like our mini-grants or a particular scholarship,” she added.
To show their appreciation for these donors, KCF created the “Friends of the Foundation Giving Society” in 2022 for donors who gift over $250 annually. Donors receive special recognition along with other perks, and they are also included in special events throughout the year.
Bottorf shed light on some of the ongoing and upcoming projects that are aimed at reconnecting with alumni and providing support for current students.
One of the primary focuses of the Foundation has been engaging alumni from past and present schools through its Alumni & Friends Association.“We have found that if we help our alumni reconnect, it goes a long way in building support for our current students too. Each fall we have hosted a version of ‘Heritage Homecoming’ at both high schools”, Bottorf added.
Alumni planning to attend Heritage Homecoming are encouraged to wear their old letterman jackets, jerseys, and other memorabilia, and share stories about their high school days. Not only does this provide an opportunity for alumni to reminisce, but it also supports current student-athletes through increased game attendance. This year, the event is planned for Central Mountain’s football game on Friday, October 6th. A date for the event at Bucktail will soon be announced.
Additionally, the Alumni & Friends Association has established an Alumni Hall of Fame, which was inaugurated in 2022. “We seek nominations of notable KCSD alumni who have made an impact in their professional lives and/or communities and recognize 4 or 5 alumni each year. We want our students and our community to see the amazing alumni that have hailed from our hallways and how their KCSD education has led the way.”
Bottorf emphasized that many alumni have made significant contributions to the Foundation, and KCF wanted to not only highlight them for their generosity but also inspire current students through the Alumni Hall of Fame.
KCF continues to make a significant impact on students and staff alike. The foundation remains committed to offering extra opportunities that may go beyond the school district’s budget, despite rising costs and increasing demands.
According to Bottorf, the goal is to provide financial support to fill the gap and offer new experiences for students. Whether it’s a field trip, special assembly, or hands-on project, the foundation strives to create opportunities that students may not otherwise have. Bottorf emphasized, “That has always been the focus for KCF”.
To support the foundation’s work, individuals or businesses in the community can get involved in various ways. One option is to join the Alumni & Friends Association through the foundation’s website or Facebook page. This association is open to anyone interested in KCSD and provides updates on events and volunteer opportunities.
Another way to support the foundation’s work is to visit the KCF website, where a link to make a donation is available. The website also includes a link to the Alumni Store, where merchandise such as tee shirts, glasses, hats, and other items can be purchased, all of which feature old and new school mascots.
In closing, Bottorf stated, “I am always happy to meet with organizations or individuals who are interested in learning more about the EITC program, giving towards an existing project, or creating scholarships. We have made the whole process very easy and it’s an incredible way to honor a loved one, memorialize a classmate, or just support our future – our local kids!”
To learn more about the Foundation, get involved, or set up a meeting with Executive Director Melissa Bottorf, visit the Keystone Central Foundation website or contact the Foundation via email:
https://www.kcfoundation.com
keystonecentralfoundation@gmail.com
