D7, Lincoln School Alumni Foundation Partner to Assist Students Who Have Been Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic

District #7 Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Student Services Dr. Cornelia Smith, announced during Monday’s Board of Education meeting the creation of the iMpact program with the Historic Lincoln School Alumni Foundation (LSAF), as a result of two generous donations. The iMpact program is designed to support District #7 students who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic.  

A donation of $25,000 from the Mannie Jackson Foundation was received in 2021 to identify and design a series of supports for students and families who were impacted by the pandemic. LSAF was also notified of a local donation of $2,400 from Kim Goodner, owner of Artisan Bakery in Edwardsville, to support this effort.  

As a result of those donations, iMpact was developed to provide a safety net for students and families. Three areas of main support were identified including academic support for students starting for preparing to enter high school, social emotional support for students experiencing anxiety from pandemic related issues and support for families who were financially impacted by the pandemic and may no longer be able to provide costs related to extracurricular activities, such as band, fine arts or athletics.  

Dr. Smith recognized Herman Shaw, president of the Lincoln School Alumni Foundation, and other foundation members at the board meeting for their continued partnership and support of District #7 students.