TRUCKEE

This year, the Tahoe Truckee Excellence in Education Foundation proudly celebrates 40 years of investing in public education and strengthening learning opportunities for students throughout the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District.

Since 1986, the foundation has invested more than $6.8 million in local schools, funding classroom innovation, educational resources, district-wide initiatives, teacher recognition programs, and student scholarships that have benefited thousands of students and teachers across TTUSD.

The foundation was born from a community challenge. Following a California Supreme Court ruling on education funding and the passage of Proposition 13, local school funding was drastically reduced. In response, a group of concerned local citizens came together to ensure students continued to have access to meaningful educational opportunities. What began with approximately $30,000 in community-raised funds evolved into a long-term commitment to supporting local education.

Over the years, Excellence in Education expanded both its impact and its vision. The launch of Skiing for Schools, followed by Golfing for Schools, transformed local recreation into one of the foundation’s most recognizable ways to support local classrooms. 

As education evolved, so did the foundation. By funding innovative classroom grants and investing in district-wide initiatives like the 1-to-1 Chromebook program, Excellence in Education has continued to meet the changing needs of TTUSD students and educators.

Today, Excellence in Education invests approximately $250,000 annually in grants, resources, and partnerships that reach more than 4,000 students across TTUSD’s 11 schools and 2 programs. This past school year alone, the foundation awarded 53 grants totaling more than $424,000, supporting everything from STEAM and the arts to outdoor education, literacy, student wellness, and career exploration.

The anniversary celebration will culminate this December with the foundation’s $40 for 40 giving campaign, inviting the community to honor 40 years of local impact while helping build the next 40.

To support its mission, visit exined.org.

~ Excellence in Education press release