In 2021 the Bristol Education Foundation (BEF) will be celebrating 30 years
of supporting innovative programs in the Bristol Public Schools. Established in 1991, the BEF was started by a group of educators who were passionate about quality education and looking for a way to supplement the educational opportunities offered to Bristol students. Today, the Business Education Foundation is a collaboration between the Bristol Board of Education and the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce.
The Foundation funds, promotes, and supports educational endeavors aimed at improving learning, achievement, skill development,
creativity and excellence in teaching. The BEF has spent the last 30 years working to help insure that Bristol’s students have the necessary
opportunities to develop the skills and attitudes our community will need in the future. The Foundation supports programs that have made a lasting impact on the Bristol schools and its students.
Since 1991, the BEF has awarded over $400,000 to Bristol educators allowing them to bring their innovative visions and educational desires to reality. This is due to the generosity of donors within the Bristol community – businesses and individuals who are passionate about quality education.
The BEF concentrates on providing the additional financial resources, support and advocacy needed to move that base of excellence to a higher level. The BEF Board of Directors sustains the important work through the continued support of these innovative programs:
Mini-Grants for Educators
The Wonder of Words “WOW” Bookmobile
The Creating 21 st Century Classroom Technology Initiative
The Adult Education Certificate and Diploma Workforce Development Program
The Bristol Public Schools’ Mentoring Program
The Middle School Robotics Competition
At their most recent meeting, the Board of Directors of the Business Education Foundation welcomed three new Board members. Donna Osuch, Brian Burke, and Janice Strasser.
Donna Osuch is President and Chief Professional Officer at the United Way of West Central Connecticut, serving the communities of Bristol, Burlington,
Plainville and Plymouth. She had been the Community Impact Coordinator at United Way since July 2004 and was named President in January 2009.
Donna is responsible for developing common outcomes for local agencies
receiving funds from United Way and aligning those outcomes to community goals and the United Way Worldwide framework.
Brian Burke is the Executive Director of Communications, Community
Partnerships, and Strategic Planning for the Bristol Board of Education.
Mr. Burke brings over a decade of experience as an education consultant to the BBEF Board. He founded and led his first company, BurkeEDU, from 2013-2020, which provided development solutions for higher education and private secondary institutions.
Janice Strasser is a Sales Executive with Tracy Driscoll Insurance with
a focus on commercial insurance. She has an extensive background in
insurance within the construction industry.
The Business Education Foundation (BEF), through donations, grants and partnerships is able to fund programs not normally included in the school or City budget. The Foundation also promotes partnerships that enable Bristol Public Schools to benefit from corporate grants and matching gifts.
These partnerships educate the community on the needs of Bristol Public Schools and deepen community support.
The BEF Board of Directors is always looking for new members and businesses who are passionate about quality education which is key to the sustained growth and progression of our community.
If you are interested in joining the Board of Directors or supporting the BEF mission to help educate the leaders of tomorrow, you may contact Brian Burke, Liaison to the Bristol Education Foundation at the Bristol Board of Education at brianburke@bristolk12.org or call him at 860-584-7035.
Visit bristoledfoundation.com to learn more.