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The Kindness Curriculum helps PreK-K learners self-regulate their emotions and care for themselves and others. (Photo Ryan Hendricks/PBS Wisconsin.)

Focus Fund for Education

Leverage the power of public media to spark curiosity in learners and support Wisconsin educators.
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Opportunities

There are 72 counties in Wisconsin, each with a rich ecosystem of public and private schools, early childhood facilities, and other community education organizations that help children learn and grow from preschool to high school. PBS Wisconsin Education partners with these organizations and educators in formal and non-formal learning environments all across the state to share cost-free instructional resources that help spark curiosity and deepen learning.

The students and I love Wisconsin Biographies. So many of the people featured in the PBS biographies connect to our literacy and social studies curriculum. The videos make the people relatable and give interesting details that increase student interest.

—Wisconsin Educator

How we Work

Educators are at the heart of all we do, and our team of talented producers and engagement specialists work closely with them and the learners they serve. Together, we create and curate high-quality educational multimedia to meet needs in classrooms, libraries, and other learning spaces. The Wisconsin-focused media we make is informed by educators, play-tested by learners, and made in partnership with the communities whose stories we share. Our partnerships with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Wisconsin Early Childhood Association, and other educational agencies ensure that our resources align with standards and statewide learning priorities.

Our Impact

The measure of our success is reflected in the relevance and reach of our service, and in the last year we are proud to have served 5,295 educators in partnership with 41 educational organizations around the state. This past year we also launched several new educational resources purpose-built for Wisconsin classrooms, including a new history collection for learners in grades 4-6, The Look Back, as well as adding the stories of Roberto Hernandez and Electa Quinney to our popular Wisconsin Biographies collection for grades 3-6. We also expanded our Re/sound: Songs of Wisconsin collection to introduce 4th-8th grade learners to the music of Mariachi Monarcas de Milwaukee. Investments in the Focus Fund for Education help us bring inspiring content and educational resources to teachers and learners in every county of the state.

DONORS

Alliant Energy Foundation
Francis A. and Georgia F. Ariens Fund within the Brillion Area Family of Funds
BMO Harris Bank
Mark J. and Ann W. Bradley
Culver’s Foundation
Tamala J. Graham
Daniel J and Mary Heaney
Dr. Craig and Mrs. Marilyn January
The George Kress Foundation, Inc.
The Give Back Foundation
National Guardian Life Insurance Company
Elizabeth Parker, in memory of George S. Parker II
Roots & Wings Foundation
Ruth Ann Potts
Mary Ellyn and Joe Sensenbrenner
Single Step Foundation
WR & Floy A. Sauey Family Foundation
Patricia Stoffers
TASC
UW Health
Yvonne Vesely, in memory of Rudy Vesely
The Wooden Nickels Fund
Paul and Coe Williams
Helen L. Wineke
Anonymous (4)

“We meet Wisconsin learner and educator needs because of the shared vision and commitment from our Focus Fund donors. Thank you for helping us leverage the expansive power of public media to ignite curiosity and spark a love of learning for Wisconsin’s students.”