The Foundation for Portland Public Schools (FPPS) is excited to announce that United Way of Southern Maine is investing $53,940 in Gerald E. Talbot Community School. The donation will support Talbot’s whole-school model, which integrates learning in Pre-K through grade 5 with family and community engagement.

“United Way’s support is a huge boost to the community school model being piloted at Talbot,” said Andrea Weisman Summers, Executive Director of the Foundation for Portland Public Schools. “Community schools provide services and support that fit their neighborhood’s needs, created and run by the people who know our children best. That’s more important now than ever.”

The Portland Public Schools’ Strategic Plan includes Whole Student as one of its five key goals. Whole Student involves promoting a joyful, supportive, and safe school culture, and community schools like Talbot seek to effectively support students and expand access to community partnerships that help create a supportive ecosystem for student success. With United Way’s support, Talbot will be able to expand the model to benefit students’ academic outcomes and students’ and families’ social-emotional health.

"Talbot Community School is very grateful to receive funding that allows many of our students to access after-school enrichment programming,” said Talbot Community School Principal Terry Young. “This programming reduces disparities between student experiences, reinforces academic learning, promotes wellness activities, creates friendships and connects our students with wonderful adults in our community who share their interests and support them in reaching their full potential."

The Foundation for Portland Public Schools is a nonprofit organization with a mission to be a catalyst for increased educational opportunities, achievement, and equity for all Portland Public Schools students and staff. Learn more about us at www.foundationforpps.org.

The Portland Public Schools is Maine’s largest school district, with approximately 6,500 students, and it’s also the most diverse. About one-third of the district’s students come from homes where languages other than English are spoken—a total of 59 languages. Approximately 47 percent of the district’s students are white and 53 percent are students of color. Over half of PPS students qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. Learn more about pps at portlandschools.org.

United Way of Southern Maine mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. True to our founding spirit, we respond whenever there is a need in our community. We take a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening, quickly responding to emerging needs, and tackling persistent issues that hold people back. Our reach across Southern Maine means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential. Learn more at uwsme.org.