FoundationsGBA West
The Gaston County Education Foundation was organized in 1992 to enhance education opportunities for teachers and students in the Gaston County public school system. Since that time, more than $1.1 million in grants and scholarships have benefited teachers and students in the district.
Mission
To support underfunded programs and projects that enhance the educational opportunities for Gaston County public schools.
Vision
To provide a learning environment for Gaston County public schools free from financial limitations.
Programs
Are You Smarter than a Gaston County Fifth Grader? is a competition that pairs businesses with local Gaston County elementary schools in a game show format. Adults and students attempt to answer questions from third, fourth and fifth grade state tests. Local businesses pay $1,000 to form a team and participate. The Are You Smarter than a Gaston County Fifth Grader? competition raised $40,000 in 2018 to help fund more than $50,000 to teachers during the Ron L. Ensley grant reception.
Over the past several years, the Gaston County Education Foundation has funded the Proudest Kid in Gaston County Essay Contest program sponsored by Gaston Together. This program reaches Gaston County third graders and provides them with a county-wide tour of historical and cultural sites.
Each year, the Gaston County Education Foundation sponsors two nationally acclaimed keynote speakers at the Teaching and Learning Conference in August.