Foundation Purpose
The Pendergast Education Foundation was created to establish a scholarship program that invests in the Pendergast community, inspires future teachers and contributes to growth and opportunities for Pendergast District graduates. To be considered for a Pendergast Education Foundation scholarship, applicants must be accepted into the iTeach AZ Pendergast Teacher Preparation Program at Arizona State University, College of Teacher Education and Leadership. The applicant must be attending classes and gaining field experience in the Pendergast Elementary School District.
What is the Need?
With teacher shortages in Arizona and nation-wide, the Pendergast District strives to ensure a highly qualified teacher serves students in every classroom.
- The Pendergast District is located in the West Valley of Phoenix and serves families in Phoenix, Glendale and Avondale. The District has grown rapidly in the past 15 years, increasing from 6,000 students to nearly 9,500 students in the 2011-2012 school year. The District has 14 elementary schools.
- An increasing number of families in the District have income at or below the poverty level, with more than 50% qualifying for free or reduced cost lunch programs. Seven schools will qualify as Title 1 schools according to federal guidelines. Overall income, both household and per capita in the Pendergast District is lower than the Phoenix Metro Area.
While the District currently has more than 600 certified teachers, cultivating highly qualified teachers from within our own community is an investment back to the community.
Who Will Benefit?
The scholarship program is an investment in the West Valley of Phoenix, and the Pendergast community, with students and families the primary recipients of the efforts of the Pendergast Education Foundation. Scholarships are awarded to help West Valley education students complete their degree program and provide incentive to teach in the Pendergast School District and other West Valley schools. The community profits by a program designed to promote higher education and to encourage graduates to return to Pendergast as teachers and contributors.
