HAMPTON—The Hampton Education Foundation (HEF) recently announced that a gift from Sentara Health for $160,000 has been received. The gift matches recent funding from the Hampton School Board to establish funds in the Next Generation Endowment, a permanent endowment that benefits Hampton City Schools.
According to Sentara, they focused their support on the most impactful ways to empower the community to invest in high-quality teachers, fuel engaged learning, and strengthen support for students and their families.
“Our support of the Next Generation endowment is an opportunity for us to invest in the talented educators in our community who ensure the skills needed to be college-and-career-ready in the 21st century,” said Dennis Matheis, president and chief executive officer for Sentara. “Our investment today will help develop the future leaders of tomorrow.”
The announcement of Sentara’s gift was part of the celebration for Dr. Jeffery O. Smith, the retiring superintendent of Hampton City Schools. Under his leadership as superintendent, Hampton City Schools experienced its highest academic success in decades and is a leader in public education statewide.
The Hampton Education Foundation stated the endowment will provide new resources for extensive financial support, including the School Board fund that will go to scholarships to HCS graduates who pursue their undergraduate degrees and agree to return to teach in Hampton City Schools. The additional funding from Sentara recognizes that Hampton is a leader in public education with strong community partnership. HCS and Sentara will work to fund educators and students during their time in HCS to inspire student achievements throughout the division.