Byerschool Foundation


RBCS "Lifers." We were proud to celebrate our first 4 year-old kindergarten class graduating the 6th grade in June, 2009.

The Byerschool Foundation was created in 2001 to provide financial oversight and support the mission of the Russell Byers Charter School. The Byerschool Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Its primary responsibility is to raise and manage funds for the annual operations, facilities, and long-term stability of the school. Additionally, the foundation acts as the public and government relations arm for RBCS. From hosting guest speakers for the annual Career Day to keeping the community informed about the exciting happenings at RBCS, the Byerschool Foundation works hard to enrich the learning of each of our students.

In addition to general support, the Byerschool Foundation focuses on enriching the RBCS community by developing innovative and effective programs. Ultimately, RBCS, with the help of the Byerschool Foundation, acts as an urban demonstration model so successful programs can be replicated at the national level.

Collaborative Partnership & Innovative Programs

Below are some of our most exciting collaborative partnerships and programs.

  • Powerful Voices for Kids – a university-school partnership, developed by Renee Hobbs, of Temple University, and Laurada Byers, that explores the development of children's literacy in the 21st century. Elementary educators explore how media literacy and technology can be used to promote communication skills, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.

    Learn more about Powerful Voice for Kids or visit the Powerful Voice for Kids website.

  • Ours for Life – In its early stages, Ours for Life is the Byerschool Foundation's innovative program that cuts to the core of our mission: giving students the roots of a strong education at RBCS, and the wings to succeed beyond our doors. Once a student enters RBCS in the 4K, we hope to commit the support and resources to allow each student to reach his or her full potential through the completion of secondary education, college graduation and beyond.

  • Scholarship Program – Since the Scholarship Program started in 2002, the Byerschool Foundation has disbursed over $260,000 in scholarships to 88 students attending selective secondary schools. By providing full and partial tuition for students in grades six through twelve, the Byerschool Foundation Scholarship Program helps talented students attend leading schools of their choice-schools their families would otherwise not be able to afford. Scholarship applications for the 2012-13 academic year will be available via this website in late February 2012.