Education
BY HANNAH JOHNSON
Meet Prosper Education Foundation Executive Director Carrie Thomas Carrie Thomas was named the Prosper Education Foundation executive director last summer. Thomas began her career in education in 2005 as a kindergarten teacher in Richardson ISD. She spent 19 years total in RISD where she served in various roles including as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal and later in central o ce administration as the director of professional learning and community engagement. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and master’s and doctorate in Educational Administration from Texas A & M Commerce. Thomas spoke to Community Impact to discuss the role of the education foundation in Prosper ISD and the foundation’s goals as the 2025-26 school year begins.
excellence and open the doors to opportunities that might not otherwise be able to happen. Whether it’s a classroom grant, a teacher grant [or] a stu- dent scholarship, every dollar we invest makes a di erence in PISD. What scholarship opportunities does the foundation provide for PISD students? Each year, we award thousands of dollars in scholarships to graduating seniors. These schol- arships recognize the academic excellence, the leadership, community service and perseverance that these students have gone through in their time in school. Many of the scholarships are funded by our donors, local businesses and even families who believe in investing in the future of the students. We continue this tradition of supporting students as they move on to college or military or a career path or a trade school. We support it all. We also support AP and dual credit scholarships. We help students get credits before college credits before they even walk into a college campus and their next step.
Why was the Prosper Education Foundation formed? It was established in 1996 with a vision to support Prosper ISD in meaningful and lasting ways. It was formed by a group of community members who saw the value in creating a dedicated nonpro t that could invest directly in both the success of the students and educators. As Prosper has grown, the foundation has grown as well, and the impact it makes on Prosper ISD. The mission and the goal is to stay true to enhancing educational opportunities for all. What made you want to join the Prosper Education Foundation? As someone that’s deeply passionate about public education and community engagement, joining Prosper Education Foundation just felt like the perfect t. It was an opportunity for me to connect resources, people and ideas [and] to support students and educators in PISD. I love being part of this organization where every e ort leads to real, tangible impact in the classrooms and campuses.
What is one of your goals for the Prosper Education Foundation during the next school year? The biggest goal is to deepen our relationships across the district and across the community. We want to increase the awareness of who the foundation is and the impact it has on PISD. As the district grows, we have to grow as well to meet the needs. We want to strengthen donor engagement, launch new initiatives that support the teachers in the classroom and build equity for all student opportunities. If you are part of PISD, we want you to also know how this organization impacts your district and your campus and your students and the teachers that support the students. Why is the Prosper Education Foundation important for Prosper ISD schools? The foundation plays a unique role because it bridges the gap between public school funding … and what our students and teachers truly need to thrive. We all know that there are many school [districts] in de cits this year. We are truly that gap that serves to support innovation, celebrate teacher
How can Prosper ISD families support the foundation? There are so many ways for families to support the foundation, whether they want to be a one-time donor or reoccurring donor, or they want to attend one of our events. We have two signature events each year, which is our golf tournament and our Step Up for PEF Gala. We have community volun- teers that read student scholarships and teacher grants, so we’re always looking for people to give time to do that. Every gift, no matter the size, has an impact on Prosper ISD. We truly believe that when the community comes together, amazing things can happen for our schools. Spreading the word and advocating for public education and what we do is really the biggest support.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com .
COURTESY PROSPER EDUCATION FOUNDATION
PROSPER 950 S Preston Rd (469) 535-5539 LITTLE ELM 27100 Hwy 380 (972) 347-9630
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