Understanding that every student learns and achieves differently, the Birmingham Education Foundation works closely with the Birmingham Public School district to support a range of academic programs that encourage the success of all students.

Academic initiatives
The BEF Board of Trustees meets with district staff and the Board of Education regularly to discuss new opportunities for learning initiatives that could be tailored to each grade level and implemented in every school. Throughout 2013-2014, the trustees and staff will be working hard to develop these initiatives to provide the greatest benefit to BPS students.

Science Technology Engineering & Math
Over the last two school years the BEF has partnered with BPS to establish a district-wide theme in the area of (STEM).

Expedition 2012: NASA DAY included a Skype session with NASA Astronaut Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, hands on activities for 625 elementary, middle and high school students and culminated in a community event.

Expedition 2013: Medicine that Matters allowed students to explore different facets of the field of medicine throughout the year in the areas of ethics, public policy, history, culture and of course science. The year culminated with over 700 people attending an evening event that showcased all 13 schools and the special projects our students had been involved in throughout the year. A medical-themed STEM career fair, and science experiments for families to do together were also part of this special evening. . 

This year we our proud to announce Expedition 2014: SustainAbility (think environmental science, biology, chemistry, physics, public policy, election issues, service learning, recycling, poetry, etc…). We are hoping that classrooms across the district—kindergarten to 12th grade—will find ways to participate and make connections across all curricula. We already have loads of ideas in the Expedition 2014:SustainAbility idea book.

Learn more about this exciting program by viewing this informative video.

There are also a number of ways that parents and community members can become involved. Please contact bef@birmingham.k12.mi.us to find out more.

Technology grants
The BEF is dedicated to providing students and staff with the opportunity to work with and learn from state-of-the-art technology when it enhances the learning experience of our students and support the curricula.