The transformational education received by Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School’s (MLWGS) high-achieving students requires lots of “extras.” And the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Foundation strives to make those extras – and so much more – happen by raising funds to support educational initiatives and cultural experiences that go far beyond the basics of a high school education.
Foundation provides the margin of excellence for transformational learning
The transformational education received by Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School’s (MLWGS) high-achieving students requires lots of “extras.”
Extra, as in travel across the country or around the globe to apply classroom learning. Advanced training for teachers to meet the needs of highly motivated and gifted students. Course fees for dual-enrollment classes at VCU.
And the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Foundation strives to make those extras – and so much more – happen by raising funds to support educational initiatives and cultural experiences that go far beyond the basics of a high school education. Established a year after the school itself opened its doors, the Foundation this year aims to disburse $239,000 in direct grants to MLWGS – its largest total to date and a nearly $60,000 jump over two years ago.
As MLWGS administrators often note, without the Foundation, Maggie Walker could still operate as a high school, but it couldn’t do all the other meaningful things that attract students and then help them reach their potential. Participating school districts pay a modest tuition for the students they send to Maggie Walker, and that doesn’t cover all the “extra.”
More specifically, the Foundation’s mission is to provide the “margin of excellence that sets Maggie Walker apart,” said Executive Director Ginger O’Neil, who served on the Foundation’s board before taking on her current role in 2020.
Take, for example, how the Foundation helped to underwrite student travel to 12 different cities, nine states and eight foreign countries last year. “Our students are applying what they’re learning in the classroom in real-world settings,” O’Neil said, “whether it’s an AP Comparative Government class visiting Ireland or our ‘We the People’ team competing at the national level in Washington, D.C.”
Each spring, MLWGS teachers submit their asks for “extras” for the following school year to the administrative team, which then aligns the overall funding request according to its mission, vision and curricular priorities. Approved asks are then sent to the Foundation Board of Directors – many of whom are parents of current or former students and alumni – in the form of a budget request for enhancement grants.
One primary and increasing need is student financial aid. Foundation leaders work to provide equitable access for all MLWGS students, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. “We are making sure that every student who puts in the time, effort and work to be at the school has the ability to take advantage of the opportunities and experiences it offers,” she said.
To ensure the school maintains a robust learning environment, the Foundation also contributes to teachers’ professional growth and development. “It’s important that we attract and retain high-level teachers and give them the tools they need to stay cutting-edge and model lifelong learning for our students,” said O’Neil, noting that the faculty includes individuals who have been with the school since its earliest years as well as several alumni who’ve returned “home.”
The Foundation covers the cost of the graduate-level gifted education endorsement required for all Maggie Walker teachers, as well as funding for conferences, subject-matter workshops and professional memberships. “Our teachers are constantly seeking ways to enhance their craft and bring new ideas into the classroom,” O’Neil said. “The Foundation’s support is essential in empowering them to do that.”
Smaller requests are just as important. In recent years, the Foundation has purchased class sets of requested books for literature classes and wood-carving sets, so student artists could create alongside a guest artist. For some students, that “extra” might be rentals on music instruments, yearbook purchases and even prom tickets.
To meet the growing needs of both students and teachers, the Foundation is looking to expand existing and build new partnerships with the local community, including corporate and grant-based funding sources. “We have phenomenal support from current and former parents, alumni and the community, but as the needs and opportunities increase, so must our outreach,” she said.
By supporting the Foundation, donors can directly impact the lives of current Maggie L. Walker students. “Our students (and alumni) are doing amazing things,” O’Neil says, “and the Foundation’s support helps to make that all possible.”