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What We Do

OUR PURPOSE

The Duluth East High School Foundation exists to enhance educational experiences beyond what traditional school funding can provide. We are NOT a scholarship organization. Instead, we focus on supporting academics, student activities, athletics, and facility improvements that benefit the entire Duluth East community.

Established by dedicated alumni and community members, our Foundation serves as the bridge between Duluth East’s proud history and its promising future. Through targeted fundraising and strategic grants, we ensure that current and future Greyhounds have access to exceptional resources, programs and facilities.

Our Impact Areas

Academic Support

We fund technology, equipment, and special programs that enhance classroom learning and acdemic achievement.

Student Activities

We provide resources for clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities that develop leadership and foster community.

Athletic Enhancements

We support sports programs with equipment, facility improvements, and resources that help student athletes succeed and thrive.

Campus Improvements

We contribute to preserving historical elements of Duluth East High School while enhancing its modern educational environment.

How We Work

Our process ensures that Foundation funds are allocated where they’ll make the most significant impact.

  1. Need Identification: Teachers, coaches, and administrators identify needs beyond district funding.
  2. Grant Application: School representatives submit proposals for Foundation support. 
  3. Board Review: Our volunteer board evaluates applications based on impact and alignment with our mission.
  4. Funding Approval: Selected projects receive funding and implementation support.
  5. Impact Assessment: We track and share the results of funded initiatives.

Why We Exist

Over the years, many sources of additional revenue for East have for disappeared including:

  • Federal and State budget cuts have reduced funds available to student organizations.
  • The East PTA once a major fund raising group for the school providing thousands of dollars in assistance to faculty, organizations, and programs now, sadly, longer exists at East.
  • The Popcorn Room: Organizations would run the room for a week and keep the profits, we no longer have such a revenue sharing venue.
  • Vending machines were once ubiquitous, selling pop and candy with profits going to the school to fund various activities.  This has greatly changed.

 

The decline in these revenue streams is part of the reason the Duluth East Foundation was formed. While not a total replacement for proper funding, the Foundation aims to fill in some of the gaps based on student and staff needs. 

Success Stories

“The Art Department is absolutely thrilled and thankful for the Duluth East Foundation for awarding us a grant towards our Photography and Cinematography courses. Photography’s major purposes are communication and the recording of ephemeral moments in time. Since the invention of photography, we have had the ability to create works of art.”
Trinh Tran, Art Teacher
“This award for composting materials will be a huge help in moving our school in a more sustainable direction, thank you!”
Kate Y., Climate Club Member
Our special education department greatly appreciates the funds received from the East Foundation. It has given us the opportunity as case managers to offer sensory integration to supports students academics and social emotional needs. Additionally it has given us the opportunity to purchase school supplies to offer to students who may not have the ability or organizational skills to obtain individualized school supplies. The funds have supported students with a variety of learning needs across all grades at East High School.
Samantha Swanson, Special Education