ABOUT THE FOUNDATION OF CCPS

The Foundation of Cecil County Public Schools enhances the education of all CCPS students by providing equitable access to opportunities and support that lead to student success.

For more than three decades, Cecil County's business community, educators, and community leaders have worked together to create greater opportunities for students in Cecil County Public Schools.

 

That partnership formally took shape in 1989 with the establishment of the Business and Education Partnership Advisory Council (BEPAC). Created to strengthen the connection between education and the workplace, BEPAC brought local businesses, organizations, educators, and community leaders together around a shared goal: helping students understand career opportunities, develop the skills needed for the workforce, and see the connection between what they learn in school and their future success.

 

Over the years, BEPAC became an important bridge between Cecil County Public Schools and the greater community. Its members supported school-business partnerships, career exploration, Career and Technical Education programs, STEM initiatives, student mentoring, scholarships, classroom projects, teacher recognition, and opportunities for business and community leaders to engage directly with students and educators.

By 2009-2010, BEPAC had grown to more than 70 members and was supporting initiatives ranging from STEM and engineering mentorship to middle school career exploration and advisory support for Career and Technical Education programs. Its work continued to expand in the years that followed through programs such as Principal for a Day, classroom mini-grants, scholarships, fundraising events, and an expanding network of school-business partnerships.

 

As the organization's role evolved beyond its original advisory function, so did its identity. BEPAC transitioned into The Foundation of Cecil County Public Schools, reflecting a broader commitment to philanthropy, community engagement, fundraising, and direct investment in students and educators while preserving the business and education partnerships that had been at the heart of the organization since its beginning.

 

Today, The Foundation of Cecil County Public Schools builds upon more than 35 years of collaboration. The Foundation serves as a bridge connecting businesses and the community with CCPS, providing resources and opportunities that support academic achievement, educators, career readiness, and meaningful employment.

 

What began as an effort to bring business and education closer together has grown into a countywide network of people and organizations committed to one common purpose: investing in Cecil County's students and strengthening the future of our community.