(Editor’s note: GiveMN is an affiliate of Minnesota Philanthropy Partners, as is the Saint Paul Public Schools Foundation. We’re proud to share this news about their $50,000 Challenge grant helping eliminate the acheivement gap in our community. You can donate today and have your donation matched at http://givemn.razoo.com/story/Saint-Paul-Public-Schools-Foundation)

“You are a great tutor. Thank you for helping me read.” Brong, 3^rd grade student

Help the Saint Paul Public Schools Foundation reach more students like Brong by participating in the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation $50,000 Challenge through a donation of any amount. Your gift will be doubled and can help a child learn to read and excel at math.

With over 2,000 tutors serving at 30 tutoring programs and 41 schools, the Saint Paul Public Schools Foundation is working to eliminate the achievement gap in Saint Paul. These high-quality tutors reach an incredible 6,500 students both in and out of school. Why?

Because Saint Paul is facing a staggering achievement gap between students of color and Caucasian students. Test scores from 2010 show that 80% of Caucasian students are testing proficient and less than 50% of students of color are testing proficient in both reading and math.

Research shows that children need to be reading at grade level by 3rd grade and achieve proficiency in algebra by 8th grade to be prepared for success in school and life. Every day, high-quality volunteer tutors help students in Saint Paul Public Schools learn to read and excel in math.

The Saint Paul Public Schools Foundation is a non-profit organization made up of businesses, education leaders, and community leaders committed to academic excellence in schools.

“The Foundation is playing an important role in our community, building effective programs and partnerships in support of academic success.” Matt Kramer, President, Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce

How can you help support this great work?

By donating any amount to the Saint Paul Public Schools Foundation or by spreading the word about this incredible grant opportunity.  Donate now.

The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation has generously provided a $50,000 challenge to raise awareness and funding support by providing a dollar-for-dollar match for all first time donors secured by December 31st, 2011.

What does this mean? If you’re a first time donor, your gift will be doubled!  Are you a previous donor? Your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Otto Bremer Foundation!

For more information about the Saint Paul Public Schools Foundation, the Tutoring Partnership or either of our matching grants, visit our website: http://sppsfoundation.org/