Quality education is the key to a brighter future.
For one organization out of Buffalo, NY, the commitment to providing access to success, without barriers, is the mission that drives them forward. The BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund is run by devoted community leaders – Amy Popadick being one extraordinary driving force for the nonprofit.
Founded in 1995, Amy tells Hope Rises that its cause is to provide low-income parents a full range of choices for their child’s education, annually enrolling 1,900 children into private schools in the eight counties of Western New York.
I’m a firm believer that neither income nor zip code should be an obstacle to quality education and achievement,” says Popadick. “Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty for our next generation.”
The organization is unique, but is working effectively for thousands of families, regardless of their zip code. One of the most inspiring reasons Popadick is proud to come to work each day is what she hears from parents of the children in the program.
“What we hear is that private schools have a family like atmosphere. Things like, ‘My teachers expect more from me’…’I am not bullied’…’I feel safe’…‘I am encouraged to reach my potential.”
Each qualifying child can receive up to $2,000 in scholarship funding, and just this year they have added funding to private high schools.
“The BISON Fund works because we are providing a hand up, not a hand out. Families so desperately want quality education, but they can’t always afford it. We are proud to be changing lives each and every school year.”
To learn more about sponsoring a child’s education, head here for details: www.bisonfund.com.
