The projects and programs of the Henderson County Education Foundation are as follows:

Special Fund for Children, created through an endowment and increased through donations and bequests, provides essentials such as clothing, medicine, tutoring, and school supplies for the at-risk students in the County. (Back to Top)

Historic Johnson Farm is owned by the HCPS after having been bequeathed by the Johnson brothers, Vernon and Leander. It has been declared a historic property by the National Register of Historic Properties. The Henderson County Education Foundation serves as Agent of Management of the property. The Foundation assists HCPS in developing and restoring the Farm to be used as an educational vehicle for students in Henderson County. Funds are raised through activities at the Farm as well as donations from the community and outside grants. (Back to Top)

The Bullington Center, located on 33 Upper Red Oak Trail (just off of Zeb Corn Road) was donated to the Education Foundation by Robert Theodore Bullington. This property is being used for horticultural students, N.C. Extension Service and the general public as a learning center. Many programs are offered.(Back to Top)

General Endowment Fund was established initially in 1995. It allows the public to support the work of the Foundation through memorial contributions. Interest of fund is used to support the on-going programs of the Foundation (undesignated otherwise). It is used for the STARS program which assists with expenses of students representing HCPS in regional, state, national and international competitions) and mini-grants ($100) for worthwhile school projects. (Back to Top)

Lee Waters Memorial Donor Advised Fund in the amount of $500 annually was established in 2005 to support staff development in academic courses of teachers or assistants in Hendersonville Elementary School and Hendersonville Middle School for Summer enrichment training. (Back to Top)

Belcher Memorial Scholarship Fund , established in 1993 in memory of Tammy Belcher, endows scholarships to graduating seniors of East Henderson High for continued education in music and/or theatre.
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Bullington Center was established in 1993 when the foundation received the Bullington Property from the estate of Mr. Robert Bullington to be used for horticultural and educational purposes. The HCPS and NC Cooperative Extension partner in Bullington and employ a coordinator.
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Creative Teaching Grants are funds generated from local businesses and private donations to provide funds for  teachers to develop and implement innovative teaching practices in the required curriculum. Up to $500 is awarded per recipient each spring. (Back to Top)

Fletcher Elementary School Funds was established in 1990 to honor Pete and Kate Youngblood. Its purpose is to develop more progressive educational opportunities for the children of Hoopers Creek and Fletcher communities by utilizing two funds: the Direct Project Fund (allows both principal and investment earnings to be applied to general educational efforts at Fletcher Elementray School as defined by school principal), and the Endowment Fund (only investment earnings may be utilized to support the school in the teaching of basic academic skills in reading and mathematics). The Endowment Fund may also be used to support the administrative staff and teachers through seminars, workshops and training. (Back to Top)

History Committee oversees the preservation of artifacts and materials that tell the history of education in Henderson County and the HCEF Hall of Fame, established to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of education in Henderson County. (Back to Top)

Horticultural Endowment Fund was established by Ray Bennett and his wife, Trude, in 1995 It was established in memory of Dwight Wray Bennett, a retired specialist with the Cooperative Extension Service, and wife, Elisabeth "Pat" Bennett. The purpose is to provide annual income for use in the development of horticultural programs for students in the Henderson County Public Schools.The annual income of Fund (at the discretion of the Board of Directors) is to be used to develop a horticulture program for HCPS, to provide funds for the Bullington project and to make funds available for speakers and interns in the field of horticulture. (Back to Top)

Integrated Science Program provides funds to train middle school science teachers in a hands-on science program.

McDowell Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2000 in memory of Michael McDowell. It honors graduating seniors at East Henderson High who have been active in ROTC. The initial award in 2001 was $500. (Back to Top)

Mini-Grants is a special category of funding designed to support worthwhile projects that can not be funded through school budgets.  Included in these projects are re-roofing a student-built schoolhouse reproduction at Rugby Middle School, scholarships for AIG "Super-Saturday" at UNC-A, Project Graduation at the four high schools, and programs for professional development of teachers. (Back to Top)

Memorial Endowment Fund allows the public to support the work of the Education Foundation by adding to the initial endowment gift. When the sum exceeds $1000, the individual is honored with a plaque in the central office. The interest of this fund is used for on-going programs for the Education Foundation. (Back to Top)

Memorial Scholarships are awards are made to Henderson County graduates from funds created by families to honor their loved ones. (Back to Top)

The Guitar and Piano Scholarship of $250 per year was established in 2005 at West Henderson High School by Deborah D. and Jimmie A. Reems to assist students with the purchase of guitar and piano instruments and lessons. (Back to Top)

The Mercedes N. Jenkins Courage Award Scholarship of $2000 was established in 2005 by Mercedes N. Jenkins. (Back to Top)

S.T.A.R.S. (Supporting Teachers and Rewarding Students) supports teachers in their efforts to provide exemplary and innovative instruction and rewards students for outstanding accomplishments. S.T.A.R.S. programs reflect the spirit and purpose of the Foundation.  This fund has been revised to incorporate nine programs under one heading in order to simplify bookkeeping and provide flexibility. (Back to Top)

The School Assistance Fund allows HCEF to work with support groups in fundraising activities for individual schools in their efforts to raise monies for various needs and enhancement programs.  This program was established in 2003-2004. (Back to Top)

Reading Radio hosted by Renee Kumor on WHKP, is a weekly children's program emphasizing reading in schools.   It is sponsored in part by Kimberly-Clark.  Students are introduced and allowed to read a favorite passage and express themselves creatively on the radio.  WHKP provides valuable assistance and radio time. (Back to Top)

Kindergarten T-Shirts are given each year to all entering kindergarteners.  This year's shirt will bear the HCPS logo and "Class of 2016".  Individuals and groups support this gift.  Wanda Love, former Director of Elementary Eduation, is in charge of this project. (Back to Top)