Jefferson Community Foundation Awards Grant to Jefferson Chamber Foundation Academy

For Immediate Release

February 17, 2010

CONTACT: Martha Landrum | 504-598-1290 | martha@gnof.org

Jefferson, LA - Wishing to ensure the success of the country’s first charter school to be run by a Chamber of Commerce, the Jefferson Community Foundation recently awarded a grant of $25,000 to the Jefferson Chamber Foundation Academy. The charter school, geared toward at-risk students who are either over age for their grade or behind in credits, will offer a technology-based curriculum that better prepares its students to enter an increasingly competitive workforce. “Too many Jefferson Parish students are at-risk, and innovative charter schools like the Jefferson Chamber Foundation Academy are part of the solution,” said Ric Smith, president of the Jefferson Community Foundation. “The mission of the Jefferson Community Foundation is to improve the quality of life for all citizens of Jefferson, and it begins with a quality education.” Joining the Jefferson Community Foundation in this initiative are Metairie Bank and businessman Henry Shane.

PICTURED IN THE PHOTO: (left to right) are Ricky Burke, chairman of the Jefferson Chamber Foundation Academy; Ronnie Sloan, chairman of the Jefferson Chamber; Ric Smith, president of the Jefferson Community Foundation; and Jim Garvey, board member of the Jefferson Community Foundation.

The Jefferson Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, the leading regional philanthropic organization serving the 13-parish Greater New Orleans metropolitan area.  The Greater New Orleans Foundation designs and lead initiatives that improve the region, connect donors to community needs, identify and support great nonprofits, and strengthen civil society. For more information on the Greater New Orleans Foundation, and its affiliate the Jefferson Community Foundation, please visit www.gnof.org