Bright Minds Foundation Launches Access to Learning Fund

March 30th, 2020

Bright Minds Foundation, the educational foundation of the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), and HCPSS have launched an emergency Access to Learning Fund to raise money for critical education access supports for HCPSS students during the extended coronavirus school closure.

“During this unprecedented crisis, we are working intensely to provide every one of our nearly 59,000 students and their families with the critical resources and supports they need to learn from home,” said Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano, who this week announced further details regarding HCPSS’ continuity of learning plan. “Right now, more than ever, it will take a village to support the well-being and continued learning of our students.”

The Access to Learning Fund will support the purchase and use of learning resources, including items such as assistive technology, connectivity resources, online memberships, printed materials, mailing costs, multimedia equipment and other supplementary resources some families may need to support remote student learning.

“Like school systems across the country and around the world, HCPSS is rising to the challenge of quickly overhauling its education model and teaching methods to support each student. This fund provides an opportunity for our community to rally together to support our students during this difficult time,” said Bright Minds Foundation Executive Director Elizabeth Crammond.

Bright Minds and HCPSS remind all families to complete the Student Technology Survey so HCPSS can identify student accessibility needs. More information about the school system’s response to COVID-19 and the HCPSS Continuity of Learning plan are available online.

Contributions to the Access to Learning Fund may be made in the following ways:

• Donate online via the Bright Minds website
• Text HCPSS to 501-55
• Mail a check to the Bright Minds Foundation, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Please designate “Access to Learning Fund” in the comment field.

For more information, please email Bright Minds Foundation Executive Director Liz Crammond at liz@brightmindsfoundation.org.

Bright Minds Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and the educational foundation of the Howard County Public School System. Bright Minds enhances the educational opportunities of all Howard County public school students by bringing together private and community support for academic initiatives and opportunities. We help level the playing field so all students have a chance to succeed.