All Posts

An Evening to Shine returns Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. Tickets on sale now.

The year 2025 is coming to a close, Brianna's been reflecting on the work we’ve done, the storms we’ve weathered, and the paths we’ve forged over the last year.

Through our Family Engagement program, we walk alongside DPS families as they speak up at school board meetings, navigate resources, and ensure their children have what they need to succeed.

DPSF works to empower and connect teachers through our grants program and, since January, has been providing them with free, essential school supplies through our Crayons2Calculators (C2C) program.

At Hillside High School, students are cultivating workforce development and leadership skills and gaining confidence, all while sharpening their cooking abilities through a DPSF Innovation Grant. Learn what this says about Durham's public schools.

Brianna reflects on her "why" behind her work for public schools. What's your why?

Projects are led by DPS educators and communities to meet the evolving needs of Durham’s public school students The DPS Foundation welcomed its 2025-2026 Grantee Cohort during an orientation on October 11 at Echo NC. Since 2018, Durham Public Schools Foundation (DPSF) has invested more than $1.8 million directly into schools and communities—impacting all 57 Durham Public Schools. This year, DPSF is awarding $135,000 through its annual grant cycle to fund projects led by teams

Las recientes amenazas y medidas coercitivas del ICE han atacado a las familias inmigrantes en todo el país, lo que ha provocado incertidumbre y miedo en las escuelas, los hogares, los lugares de trabajo y de culto. A todos los estudiantes, educadores, miembros del personal, familias de DPS y más allá que sienten este miedo e incertidumbre, les vemos, les escuchamos y estamos con ustedes. A principios de este año, lanzamos nuestra campaña artística comunitaria “Standing Stron

Recent threats and ICE enforcement actions have targeted immigrant families all over the nation, leading to uncertainty and fear that permeate schools, homes, and places of work and worship. For every student, educator, staff member, parent, and family in DPS and beyond who is feeling this fear and uncertainty, we see you, hear you, and stand with you. Earlier this year, we launched our “Standing Strong/Estamos de Pie” community art campaign, with posters and downloadable art

The 2025 Sole Purpose Sneaker Ball is the inaugural annual fundraising event organized by the DPS Foundation in honor of DPS alumnus, Zachari Hawkins. Event proceeds will fund the Zachari Hawkins Memorial Fund at DPS Foundation, supporting school-based wellness programs and resources that help students thrive — in school and in life. When: November 15 at 6:30 p.m. Venue: Durham Convention Center, 301 W Morgan St, Durham, NC Attire: Formal + your most stylish sneakers. At the

Interim Executive Director reflects on the challenges and joys of the new school year.

Before graduating Jordan High School this spring, Grace Ferguson received some exciting news. They had received an $80,000 SAIC Recognition Merit Scholarship to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago—one of the most prestigious art schools in the country.&nbsp;Ferguson provided artwork for the <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b33bd9d8ab72224630b6e69/t/614decc3c2d1a17de5aeb01d/1632496845366/DPSF_Online+Report_M...

With year-round schools starting on July 21, we are coming up on the first full school year under the current federal administration. Here’s how what’s happening in Washington might impact Durham’s public schools. And how Durham can act now to support our kids. </p>

"Fill That Bus!” restocks the shelves for Crayons2Calculators, allowing them to keep providing free school supplies for DPS teachers. </p>

After this month’s scholarship reception, Interim Executive Director Brianna Kennedy reflects upon her own life-changing scholarship journey in this month’s Brianna’s Bulletin.</p>

In her first Brianna’s Bulletin, Interim Executive Director Brianna Kennedy reflects on her journey from the classroom to DPSF and shares why supporting school-based innovation through our Grants program is a fundamental part of DPSF’s mission. </p>

Learn more about our May DPS Alumni of the Month, Priscilla Garrett (DSA ‘15)!

Recently, Deputy Executive Director Brianna Kennedy sat down with outgoing Executive Director Erika Wilkins to reflect upon her time at DPS Foundation; Kennedy will step in as Interim Executive Director upon Wilkins’s departure.&nbsp;</p>

The school year might be winding down, but our work is far from over. With you at our side, we’ve made a powerful impact this year. Now, we need your help to keep the momentum going. Durham and our public school students, educators, staff, and families are counting on us—and you.

Duke University’s head football coach Manny Diaz has chosen the DPS Foundation to receive the winnings from his participation in the 18th annual Southern Company Peach Bowl Challenge charity golf tournament.