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Ignite the Spark
Royal Bash Special Project: College and Career Readiness
We think of high school as the time when students envision life beyond 12th grade, whether that’s a 4-year university, community college, trade school, military service, or direct entry into a profession. But too many students enter their senior year with only the sketchiest idea of where they’ll go after graduation, and without a sense of purpose to help guide their choices. Here in Hopkins, students themselves have been asking for more career-connectedness in their education, leading to the expansion of career pathways, including culinary education and the Certified Nursing Assistant program at our high school.
Light the Way at Royal Bash 2026
In case you missed it, our marquee annual fundraiser, Royal Bash, is happening on Saturday, March 14, at the Metropolitan Ballroom. Tickets are on sale now. The core purpose of Royal Bash is to support all families by fostering world-class education at Hopkins Public Schools. So we invite you to set your cares aside for one night and come together to invest in a bright future for our students.
#HopkinsStrong Relief Fund Updates
Since the #HopkinsStrong Relief Fund launched on January 16, the Hopkins Education Foundation has raised more than $240,000 to support the ICA Food Shelf and students and families of Hopkins Public Schools.
$50k Match to #HopkinsStrong from Paige Bueckers, Hopkins Grad & WNBA Rookie of the Year
Just a few days after the launch of the #HopkinsStrong Relief Fund, Hopkins graduate and basketball superstar Paige Bueckers offered to match up to $50,000 of donations to support food security for her hometown community.
Mainstreet Day 2026: Early-bird Pricing Ends January 31
Mainstreet Day applications are still open. Early bird pricing ends on January 31. Arts & craft vendors, food trucks, and entertainment are encouraged to join our May 16 fair.
$4 Million Awarded to Hopkins Schools Since 1995
Hopkins Education Foundation (HEF) is excited to announce that, after awarding 13 Spark Grants for teachers at the end of October, the foundation has given more than $4 million to Hopkins Public Schools since 1995. As HEF closes out its 30th anniversary year, this is an exciting milestone in the foundation’s history.
Six Tips for Writing a Successful Spark Grant Application
Do you have a project you want funded for your Hopkins Public Schools classroom? These six tips for writing a Spark Grant application can help your chances to become the next Hopkins Education Foundation Spark Grant recipient.
Spark Grant Spotlight: New cameras help NMS’ yearbook club make memories and build skills for a lifetime
Picture this: your middle school yearbook club suddenly includes 6th graders, who struggle using cameras designed for adult-sized hands. And school policy means you can’t use phone cameras as a substitute. What to do??
Exploring Nature's Classroom: District Special Project to Bring Outdoor Opportunities to Hopkins Students
Each year, Hopkins Education Foundation partners with Hopkins Public Schools on a project that will have a districtwide impact. At the Royal Bash on March 1, 2025, we raised $70,000 for our new Outdoor Opportunities special project, which will kick off next year with trips for 5th and 8th graders and high schoolers.
Second Time’s a Charm: History of the Hopkins Education Foundation
Look back at 30 years of the Hopkins Education Foundation funding ideas proposed by those closest to our students, from 1995 to 2025.
5 Ways to Make This Your Best Royal Bash Ever*
Get the most out of your Royal Bash experience (in person or at home) with these five tips from Board Member Sarah Goff-Dupont.
CNA Lab Provides Real-World Experience
Our 2023 Special Project directed $19,000 to the creation of a Certified Nursing Lab at Hopkins High School. The lab opened in December 2023 and includes nursing beds, mannequins, and other medical equipment necessary to help prepare students for a career in medicine.
HEF Announces Fueling Future Minds Special Project
HEF is raising funds for a district-wide project called Fueling Future Minds, focused on computer science, coding and artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative, which will benefit all Hopkins students, includes partnerships with local technology companies to enhance Hopkins students’ skills so they can solve problems and do community-based research to prepare them to answer society’s big questions.
HEF Announces $100,000 Brand Partnership with Little & Co.
We are excited to share that we received $100,000 in donated professional services for re-branding the Hopkins Education Foundation from Little & Company in Minneapolis.
Student Club Experience Inspires Anonymous Donor
Thanks to anonymous donor, HEF’s awesome fund has grown. We now have $100,000 endowment.