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We have a new name!

The BVPS Education Foundation is now

Believing in Brighter Futures for All Bearcats

And just like we've done for 15 years... We will continue working to cultivates resources and relationships that uplift our schools, support our teachers, and inspire brilliance in our students.
Watch this video to learn more about us and stay tuned for an updated website and social media pages

Available Grants and Scholarships

Apply for a Bearcat Brilliance Foundation scholarships!

NEXT APPLICATION CYCLE BEGINS MARCH 2027

*scholarships are open to graduating seniors enrolled  in BVPS*

Apply for up to $1000 for a creative program for your class!

*open only to BVPS educators*

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the Bearcat Brilliance Foundation!

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Don't miss out on important news and events.

Imagine a community that invests

in the next generation.

 
We envision a less-burdened Bristol, Virginia

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We envision a Bristol, Virginia that is full of inspired, passionate, and successful young adults who contribute to the community through business, philanthropy, and service. We envision a Bristol, Virginia with hundreds of businesses and nonprofits that are less burdened because our Virginia High School graduates are supporting them.​

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Match your resources to our initiatives

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We are searching for partners who believe that investing in our school system is an incredible opportunity to alleviate the many burdens facing our families in Bristol, Virginia. If you are a change-maker who wants to...
 

  • Support a cause that aligns with your values

  • Build strong connections within our community

  • Make a positive impact for generations to come

 

...we would love to meet you! We are seeking partners who will invest both money and time into the lives of our students.

$51k+

given to teachers

$96k+

given to seniors

$33k+

given to enrichment

Classroom

Grants
enable teachers to bring innovative and engaging learning opportunities to their students

Senior Scholarships
provide financial support to seniors as they embark on their future academic or career plans

Enrichment Programs
enhance the standard, core curriculum with important art, music, and extracurricular activities

Alumni Involvement
gives past students a way to stay connected and give back to Bristol Virginia's next generation

Scholarship and Grant Awards

Senior Scholarship Winners for 2026

Education Foundation Scholarship

  • Santana Cruz

  • David Dean

  • Heer Dodia

  • Zoey Schein

  • Jacob Young

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​Brinkley Wilson Memorial Scholarship

  • April Arnold

  • Andrew Battel

  • Casey Cody

  • Heer Dodia

  • Jacob Roe

  • Zoey Schein

 

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​Classroom Grant Awards for 2025/2026​

 

  • Carmen Harper, Virginia Intermediate School

    • Pond to Sky: Outdoor Mini Ecosystems Lab

  • David Cofer, Virginia High School

    • Dressing for Success

  • Donna Shafer, Virginia High School

    • HOPE (Hands-on, Opportunity, Purpose, Explore)

  • Douglas Adams, Virginia Intermediate School

    • The Bearcat Improvement Zone (BIZ)

  • Stacy Brown, Virginia Intermediate School

    • Lights, Camera, Literacy​

  • Sarah Kate Tallman, Virginia Primary School

    • Dive into the SEAv

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Strongwell Stem Grant/BVPS Education Foundation Match Recipients

Amanda Chitwood, VMS: Robotics​

Eileen Allison, VMS: Heavy Duty Tools

Shannon Piedmont, VHS: 3D Printing

Carmen Harper, VIS: Pond to Sky

About the Foundation

Our non-profit cultivates resources and relationships that elevate our schools, support our teachers, and inspire brilliance in our students. Through impactful grants, scholarships, enrichment programs, and alumni initiatives, we ensure every student has the opportunity to shine and contribute to our community's prosperity.
 
As an autonomous support organization, we are dedicated to holistically serving the BVPS system. Our programs, funded by individual contributions and community partnerships, operate at the individual, classroom, school, and system-wide levels.
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We share these values with our partners:
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Empowerment: We unlock potential by providing direct access to resources that uplift schools, support teachers, and enable students to reach new heights.
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Engagement: We create connections with engaged Bearcat alumni and local businesses, fostering a network of support that fuels Bristol's prosperity.
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Impact: We ignite bright futures through impactful grants, scholarships, enrichment programs, and alumni initiatives, ensuring every student has a chance to shine.

Leadership

The BVPS Education Foundation is guided by a dedicated and passionate Board of Directors. Our leadership team is composed of community leaders, educators, and professionals who bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to educational excellence. Together, we work tirelessly to advance our mission of empowering students, supporting teachers, and enhancing the educational experience within Bristol Virginia Public Schools.


Brittany Wilson Shortt

Executive Director


Sheriff Tyrone Foster

Board Chair
 
Phil Hamilton

Vice Chair
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Kathi Boatright

Secretary

 

Samantha Fleming

Treasurer

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Taylor Griffin

Treasurer

 

 LaDawn Hudgins

Board Member

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Matt Powers

Board Member

 

Aaron Welch

Board Member

Dr. David Scott
Superintendent of Bristol Virginia Public Schools

Contact

280 Lee Street

Bristol, VA 24201

276-821-5615

foundation@bvps.org

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©2024 BVPS Foundation

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