This weekend marks the end of the Special Education Foundation’s 2024 fiscal year, and as we close the books on another remarkable year, we want to express our deepest gratitude to you. Your unwavering support has fueled our mission and positively impacted lives in countless ways.

Here are some highlights from the past year:

Empowering Students. With your financial support, SEF provided essential resources to students with disabilities, including scholarships, hearing aids, eyeglasses, and adaptive and assistive equipment, bringing independence to students of all abilities. Your generosity made these opportunities possible.

Skills Development. Our Fred Saigh Leadership Academy connected students with community leaders, fostering mentorship and advocacy. The Academy capped off a terrific year with a memorable graduation ceremony in May. Together, we’re helping this group of high school students develop the skills to become effective members of their community. In addition, our Classroom Innovation Grants funded dozens of projects ranging from social skills and life skills development to therapeutic classrooms and family engagement.

Compassion in Action. Through our Critical Needs program, we supported families facing hardships. Coats, food baskets, personal care items, and other essentials reached those who needed them most.

Bright Futures. Camp experiences, music, dance, and theater performances, and more enriched students’ lives. Your contributions directly impacted their growth and happiness.

New Initiatives. This year, SEF received funding to start two new programs. The Autism Independence Project helps students with disabilities served by the Special School District improve their independence by increasing their social skills and expanding their meaningful life aspirations. SEF Presents!, part of our Arts in the Classroom program, brought the St. Louis Symphony, Metro Theatre Company, The Black Rep, Afriky Lolo, and The Imaginary Theatre Company to SSD schools, delighting hundreds of students with live performances.

As we look ahead, we’re excited about the possibilities. We’ll create even more meaningful moments and lasting change with your continued support.

Thank you for being part of our Special Education Foundation family.

Together, we’re making a difference—one student at a time.

You can help us end our fiscal year on a positive note with a donation to SEF.