PHOTO: Health and Medicine Academy via Tacoma Public Schools




Three years ago, Lois Bernstein, Chief Community Executive with Multicare Health System had an idea to partner with several community institutions to help connect local students to the wealth of career opportunities available in the local healthcare industry. 

This fall Bernstein's vision came to fruition as the Health and Medicine Academy opened the doors to its inaugural class of 77 freshman.  Academy students take regular classes in the morning, followed by specialty classes focused on healthcare in the afternoons.  Guest presentations, field trips to local medical facilities, and internship opportunities are key aspects of the Academy as well.

In addition to being part of the Academy's design team over the past three years, GTCF opened the Lois Bernstein Fund for Health and Medicine Careers Pathways to provide ongoing support for the program. 

 
 

Greater Tacoma Community Foundation's Youth Philanthropy Board (YPB) connects young people with a passion for their community to the skills and tools necessary to cultivate change.  Through this year-long commitment, YPB members will have the opportunity to learn more about local youth services and use their newly acquired skills to make grant recommendations for youth serving organizations. 
Do you know a youth between the ages of 15-24 who would be a good candidate? 
PHOTO: Tacoma Public Schools Superintendent Carla Santorno and local elementary school students


























At Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, we've seen how much more we can accomplish when we work together.  Since 1981, community members have shared their commitment to a thriving Pierce County by partnering with GTCF to bring their vision to life and build a legacy for future generations.  In our 2018 yearbook, Pierce County Partners, a few of our partners shared their lessons and insights from working to strengthen Pierce County.

GTCF and Tacoma Public Schools, along with expanded learning providers and other nonprofits, are working together on the Tacoma Whole Child partnership to ensure all students are healthy, safe, engaged, and challenged both in the classroom and during Expanded Learning Opportunities.

 

PHOTO: Panel discussion at South Sound Philanthropy Summit

Philanthropic leaders from around the region came together for the South Sound Philanthropy Summit, earlier this month. Hosted by two volunteer-led organizations, AFP South Sound and South Sound Planned Giving Council, the Summit brought together development professionals, allied professionals and philanthropists for a day of education and networking.  
The Summit centered around themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a goal of  "uniting to unleash the power of philanthropy". 



Do you have an idea to spark positive change? GTCF is accepting Spark Grant applications through October 14th. 

Lisa Bitney, manager of the Kobetich Branch of Tacoma Public Library, received a Spark Grant to fund a mural by artist Chelsea O'Sullivan celebrating the history and community of the Northeast Tacoma library.  Watch a video about Lisa's Spark Grant story here.  
 
Upcoming Fundraisers
 





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