“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door” – Milton Berle
Students are at the center of all we do. We recognize that each student is a unique individual with differences in background, experiences, opportunities, and thought. We believe that it is only when students see obstacles removed, when they are exposed to new ideas and experiences, when they push themselves, have their thinking challenged, and step outside of their comfort zones, that they can discover what is truly possible.
Our Mission
Since 1987, our mission has been to bring our community together to open doors to opportunity for Issaquah School District students.
Our Vision
Every student, regardless of their personal circumstances, deserves the opportunity to thrive – to expand the boundaries of what they see as possible, both in school and beyond.
With the help of our donors, we are working to make that vision a reality for every student at every school in the Issaquah School District.
Our History
Founded in 1987, the Issaquah Schools Foundation has raised more than $30 million to support Issaquah School District students.
John & Maureen Shaw were parents of a kindergartner in 1987. Their child’s classroom was desperately in need of a new rug, but the school lacked the funding for it. When the Shaws and other parents tried to donate a rug, they learned it wasn’t so easy to give directly to a classroom or school, and the Issaquah Schools Foundation was born. The Shaws and their 8 board members went to work identifying gaps in their own students’ schools and mobilizing the community to help close them.
Today, with the help of community donors, Foundation programming supports students in every ISD school along every step of their educational journeys, from preschool through graduation, building solid foundations, expanding their horizons, and launching them successfully onto their next paths, whatever they may be.
2004
The Foundation launches the VOICE Mentor Program with 12 mentors serving 15 students. Today VOICE is run by the Issaquah School District and supports nearly 500 ISD students!
2009
In partnership with Microsoft, the Foundation launches TEALS (Technology Education and Literacy in Schools) at Issaquah High School, bringing Computer Science Professionals to classrooms. Now run by Microsoft Philanthropies, TEALS serves 10,000 students in 455 high schools.
2010’s
The Foundation launches the Fine Arts Fund in 2013, ensuring secondary students have access to Fine Arts opportunities.
In response to a dramatically changing cultural makeup in the district, the Foundation launches the Cultural Bridges magazine, now providing crucial information to ISD families in 8 languages.