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We spark innovative ideas and create hands-on learning experiences to directly benefit students.
Our unique structure enables us to serve the entire school district—supporting wide-reaching initiatives while also meeting the distinct needs of individual schools and classrooms.
We support opportunities in four value areas
Together, we make a real difference:
164
BEF funded projects and programs
91%
of BSD’s 38,000+ students participated
127,670
Increased academics hours for students
2,048
Students benefited from real work experience
100%
of BSD’s 54 schools participated in BEF-funded intiatives
164
BEF funded projects and programs
Since 1988, we've been committed to helping Beaverton students succeed.
Beaverton Education Foundation was established as a non-profit organization in 1988 in response to expected changes to state school funding. Today, we support innovative, hands-on academic programs across all 53 Beaverton public schools through private donations from community members, businesses, BSD staff and retirees, and individuals who care about making a difference for Beaverton students.
Operating without public funding, BEF fuels innovation that helps students thrive – empowering our youth with the skills to achieve success. The foundation focuses on hands-on academic initiatives that enhance student learning and help our students reach their full potential.
BEF has invested over $7 million into more than 3,300 educational programs and projects that would not otherwise exist. BEF serves as a vital bridge between available state and local resources and the comprehensive educational experiences Beaverton students need to thrive.
Our Team

Lauren Garrett
Executive Director

Holly Van Houten
Director of Grants and Programs

Cheryl Ashdown
Beaverton's Choice Coordinator

Halleigh Blanding
Donor Services Coordinator

Kristine Baggett
Special Projects Consultant
Board Officers

Rebecca Porter
First Tech Federal Credit Union, Chair

Olga Vargas
Vernier Science Education, Vice Chair

Carol Baldwin
Perpetual CPA, Treasurer

Andy Saultz
Lewis & Clark College, Secretary

Christopher Prahl
Gamut Project Solutions, Past Chair
Board of Directors

Sharon Freeland
Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Jose Garcia
Analog Devices

Rob Guild
Amazon Web Services, Inc.

Heidi Kiani
OnPoint Community Credit Union

Greg King
Curriculum Associates

Andrew Le
Independent Consultant and Community Volunteer

Jessica McBride
Strategies 360
Ex-Officio Board Members

Dr. Vân Truong
BSD School Board Member, Zone 1

Dr. Melissa Potter
BSD School Board Member, Zone 3

Dr. Anthony Smith
BSD Superintendent
Call for BEF Board Nominations – applications are accepted at any time of the year.
Would you or someone you know like to participate on the BEF Board of Directors?