COATESVILLE, PA — The Newlin Foundation, with the support of a grant from the Stewart Huston Charitable Trust, hosted more than 70 representatives from 30 Coatesville-area nonprofits at a first-of-its kind Coatesville Nonprofit Educational Symposium. The full-day symposium, held on April 2 at Gateway Church, Coatesville, was designed to provide information regarding current trends at the national, state, and local levels, which may impact programs provided by the nonprofits that deliver services to school-aged children in the region.
The Newlin Foundation is a charitable fund of the Chester County Community Foundation created to aid under-served and under-resourced students within the Coatesville Area School District who would like to achieve a post-secondary education, but who face barriers.
“Our goal for the conference was to understand challenges, share information and best-practices, and foster opportunities to work together and support each other,” said Regina Lewis, Chair of Trustees, Newlin Foundation. “It was a productive day with staff, volunteers and board members of nonprofits that have a mission and programs focused on constituent readiness and access to education for Coatesville youth.”
Educational professionals presented information regarding academic and societal considerations for students – in particular, low-income, first-generation and minority students seeking successful outcomes from post-secondary educations. Speakers included:
- Nakia Mack, Ed.D., Assistant Vice Provost of Enrollment, Recruitment, Temple University
- Ali Caccavella, Special Advisor to the Deputy Secretary and Commissioner, Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education, Pennsylvania Department of Education
- Robert Jarvis, Ph.D., Educational Equity Leadership & Organizational Consultant
- Michelle Snyder, Director of Pupil Services, Coatesville Area School District
Participants shared and discussed information about their missions, programs, constituents, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration to address shared concerns. The Newlin Foundation intends to host future events to further explore collaborative initiatives.
“We appreciate the Trustees of the Stewart Huston Charitable Trust for the support that made this event possible,” says Lewis. “It provided a valuable opportunity for the leadership and staff of dozens of nonprofits to better understand the educational environment, which will impact their programs and the populations served.”
“The Stewart Huston Charitable Trust values the extensive work of the nonprofits in the community,” says Scott Huston, Executive Director of The Stewart Huston Charitable Trust. “Collaborations have long been a productive way to enhance the value of grant dollars. I am familiar with some of the organizations, and I appreciated the opportunity to get to know others among an impressive group of service leaders that make a difference in our community.”
For more information or to become a Newlin Foundation donor or volunteer, email NewlinFoundation@gmail.com or visit NewlinFoundation.org. Information regarding the Stewart Huston Charitable Trust, its mission and grant programs can be found at StewartHuston.org.
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