At the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, we believe education should never be confined to four walls—especially for students preparing for life beyond graduation. Through your support of our Back-to-School Grant program, students in the B.A.S.E. (Business Associated Student Education) program are proving that the community is the ultimate classroom. 
Housed within the historic Fairbanks building, these students are doing much more than studying; they are running the show at the newly opened Bikes & Brew Bodega. In partnership with the Drew Lewis Foundation, BASE students manage the financial operations of both the coffee shop and the onsite bike shop. From handling transactions to gaining workforce experience, they are mastering the career and social skills necessary for independence.
However, the transition to adulthood requires more than just professional skills—it requires a sense of belonging. A recent FSPS “Community Integration” grant has allowed these same students to step out from behind the counter to experience the Springfield community as participants. These outings to local landmarks like Wonders of Wildlife and Urban Air are essential for practicing communication and self-regulation in new environments.
The impact is best captured by those on the ground. One teacher shared a moving moment from an outing involving a student with autism who was overwhelmed by the new experience:
“He hugged his teacher and cried. He said it felt like seeing the ocean for the first time. It was a life-changing experience.”
Your gifts bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-life meaning, ensuring every student feels valued and connected.
Help Us Do More! We are already gearing up for our Fall 2026 grant cycle, and you can make projects like this a reality for more students. Please consider making a gift at www.supportsps.org/donate and indicate “For Grants” under the designation. Thank you for investing in their journey toward independence!