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These new board members bring big board energy to BEF. All three members dove into this year’s Answer The Call fundraiser by bringing their mentorship and enthusiasm in support of our high school student volunteers. 

As Executive Director of the Beaverton Downtown Association, Andrew Le’s excitement for downtown Beaverton is palpable. Andrew finds opportunities to make connections that will benefit Beaverton, and he revels in bringing people together to build excitement and sustainability for downtown Beaverton. Andrew’s experience working with high school youth and getting them more involved in the community is a trait that makes him an exceptionally great addition to the BEF board.

Beaverton High School (BHS) is where Chris Prahl initially developed an interest in engineering that led to his start as a bridge engineer on highway and railroad structures and now to his role in the construction profession as Vice President of Kirby Nagelhout. Chris’ leadership as the BHS student body president solidified his support for Beaverton schools, and his commitment to the community continues today as a parent in the Beaverton School District.

Andy Saultz knows education. Interim Dean of the College of Education at Pacific University, Andy’s commitment to education is comprehensive, including research and education policy advocacy. From his days as a high school teacher to his time as a school board member, Andy seeks out opportunities to improve the educational experience of students. Andy is a graduate of Sunset High School and now a parent of students in the Beaverton School District.

October kicks off Answer The Call, BEF’s annual student-calling event. Together, with our community partners, we’ve been busy spreading the word across the Beaverton community in advance of our high school callers taking to the phones October 7-15 to raise funds so BEF can invest in hands-on, innovative, academic programs and projects in Beaverton schools.

Funds raised from last year’s Answer The Call campaign contributed toward BEF’s overall $470,866 investments in Beaverton schools during the 2023-24 school year. 

Thanks to local Beaverton businesses Kinder Home, Vida Coworking, Binary Brewing and the Beaverton Downtown Association for hosting events and building awareness for Answer The Call. A special thanks to members of the Beaverton Downtown Association Youth Council who delivered posters to stores and restaurants across Beaverton to promote this year’s Answer The Call. 

A big shout out to Beaverton’s Mayor Lacey Beaty for issuing this call to action to the Beaverton community. Thank you, Mayor Beaty, for reminding our community that when students call, we answer!

BEF was selected as one of five recipients of a Grow: The Advantis Community Fund grant designed to provide nonprofit organizations with grant support of up to $10,000 to address needs and tackle challenges in the community, one project at a time. 

During the online voting period, BEF supporters cast their votes online. In case you missed this fun, follow us on Instagram and Facebook to be able to support us in the future!

With the Grow grant, BEF committed to uplifting high school students by supporting student-run high school businesses with supplies and small equipment to engage students in career connected learning and provide products and services that benefit Beaverton schools and students.

After receiving and reviewing applications from high schools across the Beaverton School District, BEF recently awarded three $3,000.00 awards to these student-run businesses:

• Beaverton Academy of Science and Engineering Tech Team
• Southridge Skyhawk Print Shop
• Sunset Makers Market 

Stay tuned as we continue to share updates on these businesses and their GROWTH!

“My enthusiasm for Beaverton schools dates back to my days at Raleigh Hills, Whitford and Beaverton High School. As a student, I felt like I had the very best teachers; and I was proud to be a student in Beaverton. I am thrilled and honored to join the Foundation and am excited to connect our classrooms and our community.”

Lauren Garrett’s personal connection to the Beaverton community as a student, and now as a parent in the district, meant she was ready to jump in with both feet when she joined the Beaverton Education Foundation as Deputy Director last March. 

From her days on Capitol Hill working for U.S. Senator Ron Wyden to her years as a lobbyist in the Oregon Capitol, Lauren’s professional experience in policy and strategy will contribute to the advancement of BEF’s mission of helping students reach their highest potential by expanding the network of donors and community partners who also care deeply about strong schools. 

“We are thrilled to have Lauren join our team. Lauren brings a set of experiences and connections to our schools and community that we know will have a positive impact on our student community for years to come,” shared Executive Director Kristine Baggett.

For over 25 years, thousands of student volunteers from all Beaverton public high schools have asked community members to participate in our annual Beaverton Education Foundation (BEF) fundraiser – Answer the Call. 

Your investment makes an impact and provides funding for hands-on, innovative, academic programs and projects. These innovations go beyond normal school funding to ensure Beaverton students have an opportunity to learn, thrive and reach their highest potential. Together we can incubate promising ideas, create hands-on learning opportunities, and fill in funding gaps, all while connecting the community to the classroom.

Your continued support will help all Beaverton’s 39,000 students reach their brightest potential. Answer the Call on October 7-15, 2023 or donate today! 

Learn how last year’s generous contributions made a difference across all 54 Beaverton schools in our 2023-2024 Impact Report.