About Us

The Amherst Education Foundation welcomes committed members of our community who are interested in supporting our mission to consider joining our Board.

If you are interested in getting involved or would like to learn more about Board membership, please email amherstedfound@gmail.com.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Amherst Educational Foundation (AEF) is to support Amherst area public schools in providing challenging and enriching educational experiences that maximize the learning potential of every student and prepare them for future success.

Our Approach

  • Engaging the community in fundraising through mobilizing broad community support for public schools

  • Supporting district-wide learning initiatives

  • Encouraging teacher innovation and teaching excellence

  • Responding to emerging educational needs

  • Fostering collaborative projects with community partners

Our Guiding Principles

  • All students regardless of ability, race, ethnicity, gender or socio-economic status deserve the best education the community can deliver.

  • In the transformational power of education for students at all levels of readiness, ability and achievement.

  • In educating the whole child including a focus on physical, social, emotional and intellectual development.

  • Education should be challenging, enriching, inspiring and fun.

  • That diversity of thought, background and experience enriches teaching and provides learning opportunities for all students as they prepare to become citizens and leaders of the 21st Century.

  • Amherst area public schools are the foundation of our communities and should be universally supported.

  • In community involvement, volunteerism and investment in public education.

Our Commitment

  • Encouraging and supporting innovative curriculum and teaching methodologies that focus on educational effectiveness.

  • Being flexible, adaptable and responsive to changing community needs.

  • Funding projects that have the potential for broad (i.e. district-wide, across grade level) and/or long-term impact.

  • Working in partnership with the school districts to understand educational priorities that will inform, but not dictate, AEF’s funding decisions.

  • Operating ethically, with the utmost professionalism and integrity, and with clarity, transparency and accountability in all that we do within the organization and in the community.

  • Continual improvement and organizational renewal through on-going self-assessment, planning and board development.

  • A comprehensive approach to fundraising and responsible stewardship of all donations.