Lisa Terry has been volunteering and supporting local causes since she was a child. She became more involved in the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) when her children started kindergarten at Longfellow Elementary School. Over time, she served as PTA president, a substitute teacher, and a Girls on the Run coach, among other volunteer roles.

Terry learned about the Bright Minds Foundation through another volunteer project. In 2016, she joined the board, and this year she was elected as the chair of the Bright Minds Board of Directors.

What is the Bright Minds Foundation? It is the Howard County public school’s education foundation. Their mission is to ensure every student has access to education, resources, and the opportunities they need to succeed. They address critical gaps in support for students and educators through programs, funding, scholarships, and grants.

During school shutdowns, many students struggled with virtual learning because they did not have an internet connection at home. “Initially, we tried using hot spots, but we found that traditional internet access worked much better. So, we partnered with Comcast Essentials to provide low-cost internet access to students and families who needed it,” Terry explained.

Some students also lacked supplies for math, art, and physical education. Bright Minds organized drop-offs and drive-bys with the needed materials. They also provided special needs students with specific technologies and implements that allowed them to learn from home. Supplemental packets and worksheets allowed students to complete their assignments at home.

Terry smiles when she speaks about “Read With Me,” a school readiness program affiliated with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The program aims to help children develop a love of reading and to prepare for success in kindergarten. Children from birth to age five receive an age-appropriate book each month.

Homelessness and poverty are often invisible to people on the outside, but they can significantly impact a child’s learning engagement and ability. Even though Howard County was ranked the 6th wealthiest county in the nation, approximately 1 in 4 students qualify for free and reduced-cost meals, a key indicator of economic need.

The pandemic caused an increase in unhoused students and families. “When a student loses their housing, and the family moves out of the district, schools often struggle to maintain contact with the student. Homelessness causes major disruptions in their learning.” As a result, many students cannot return to their education, and some quit school. Bright Minds is developing a program with schools to assist these students and their families.

Families weren’t the only ones who struggled during distance learning. Teachers faced mental health and  burnout difficulties, and Bright Minds stepped in to help. This year, they piloted a new Teacher Externships program. Four local businesses hosted teacher externs for six weeks over the summer. Teachers were paid and could use their experience to complete their continuing education credentials. The program boosted teacher morale and benefitted local businesses. Terry saw it as a great “give and take opportunity“ opportunity for everyone involved.

Howard County residents can support the Bright Minds Foundation through direct donations, volunteer opportunities, underwriting scholarships, and by joining committees. Please consider donating to the Bright Minds Foundation today.