The Learning Community Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Learning Community of Douglas & Sarpy Counties. The Foundation raises funds to expand and augment the Learning Community's innovative and collaborative programs that are proving to raise student achievement across the eleven school districts in the Omaha metro area. Its signature "2-Generation" programs take place at its Learning Community Centers in North and South Omaha. It also partners with the Buffett Early Childhood Institute on a pioneering early childhood initiative across all eleven districts working with families, teachers and caregivers of children from birth through Grade 3 centered around a "school as hub" model. The Learning Community Foundation has been a source of support to these families through our successful 2020 drive to provide diapers, wipes and formula for their youngest family members. Our 2021 Backpack Project provided 200 books in 100 backpacks for the pre-school children at our Centers. In 2022, we provided interpretation devices so that our non-English speaking parents (49% of those at our North Center) can participate more effectively in Parent University classes.
- The lives of more than 16,000 adults and children across 11 school districts are being positively impacted by Learning Community programming.
- 44% percent of children are eligible for free and reduced lunch, a 47% increase since 2000. Increasing poverty is affecting a majority of our school districts.
- Our goal is to enable every child within the Learning Community to achieve academic success without regard to social or economic circumstance.