While students and educators enjoy a well-deserved summer break, the work at the Special Education Foundation doesn't stop. In fact, summer is one of our busiest seasons as we prepare for another year of supporting students with disabilities served by the Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD).
Behind the scenes, our team is already hard at work planning for the upcoming school year, meeting with SSD staff and community partners, and ensuring our programs are ready to make an impact from day one.
Preparing Programs for the New School Year
Summer provides an opportunity to review the successes of the past year and identify ways to strengthen programs for the future. It is also a time that we collect feedback from families on how our programs best serve students. From the Autism Independence Project and Fred Saigh Leadership Academy to Kid-to-Camp and Student Aid Fund for Emergencies (S.A.F.E.) assistance, we are evaluating outcomes and feedback to best plan for another year of service.
We are also working closely with SSD leadership to identify emerging needs and opportunities to expand support for students and families.
Reviewing Applications and Funding Opportunities
Our team spends much of the summer reviewing requests, planning grant cycles, and preparing applications and program material for the next school year.
Careful planning ensures that funding is available where it is needed most and that students and educators can access resources quickly as the school year begins. In addition, we continue to pursue grants and cultivate donor support to sustain and grow our programs.
Building Partnerships
Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Throughout the summer, SEF staff meet with our board members, community organizations, sponsors, and donors to strengthen partnerships that help make our programs possible.
These relationships allow us to leverage resources, identify new opportunities, and maximize our impact for students across St. Louis County.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, our focus remains on providing opportunities, removing barriers, and helping students with disabilities thrive. Whether it's funding innovative classroom projects, supporting leadership development, providing emergency assistance, or helping students attend camp, every program begins with thoughtful planning and collaboration.
While summer may seem quiet from the outside, plenty is happening behind the scenes at SEF—and we're excited about all that lies ahead.
Thank you for being part of our mission and helping us prepare for another year of changing lives.
