Dear Friends,

As another school year draws to a close, one word keeps coming to mind: momentum.

Across South Bend Schools, we see it everywhere. We see it in elementary students competing in robotics tournaments and discovering a love for STEM. We see it in students exploring future careers through programs like Washington High School’s Medical & Dental Academy. We see it in classrooms where educators are creating meaningful learning experiences, and in schools where art, field trips, clubs, athletics, and other opportunities help students discover their passions.

We also see momentum in the incredible support our community continues to show for public education. This spring alone, generous investments from the Junior League of South Bend, Schurz Communications, and the Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund of St. Joseph County will help expand opportunities for students and provide much-needed resources for educators. Their support is helping us bridge the gap between what public funding can provide and what students need to thrive.

At the South Bend Education Alliance, momentum means more than growth. It means building on what works, creating new opportunities, and ensuring every student has access to experiences that inspire, challenge, and prepare them for the future.

Of course, momentum also means change. This time of year is filled with transitions as another class prepares to cross the graduation stage and begin the next chapter of their lives. While change can be bittersweet, it is also a sign of progress, possibility, and futures taking shape. Next week, the Class of 2026 will cross that stage into new adventures, carrying with them the lessons, relationships, and experiences that have shaped their journey. We join the entire South Bend Schools community in celebrating their accomplishments and wishing them every success in the years ahead!

With gratitude,

Kris Arizmendi Choinacky,

Chief Executive Office

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2026 SBEA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS!

The South Bend Education Alliance is proud to celebrate our 2026 Scholarship recipients: Maggie Filchak, Mary McVeigh, and Mirajuddin Almazai. These outstanding South Bend Schools seniors each bring unique passions, talents, and dreams to the next chapter of their journeys — from business and biomedical engineering to electrical engineering.

Whether through service, leadership, academics, the arts, athletics, or simply a desire to give back to their community, each student reflects the heart of what makes SBCSC special. We are honored to support these remarkable young people as they pursue bright futures and continue making an impact wherever they go.

Learn more about our scholarship recipients and their stories on our website.

SBCSC STUDENTS POWER UP FOR ROBOTICS COMPETITION

Elementary students from across SBCSC recently put their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to the test at the SBCSC VEX Robotics Tournament. The event featured 21 teams representing every SBCSC elementary school, along with a team from the Robinson Community Learning Center. Students designed, built, and competed with their robots in a high-energy day of STEM learning.

Take a look inside the elementary competition!

Thanks to the support of Views on Learning and the Shein Trust, robotics opportunities are now reaching students across the district and helping inspire the next generation of innovators, engineers, and leaders.

IMPACT IN MOTION: INSIDE WASHINGTON'S MEDICAL & DENTAL ACADEMY

On May 19, community partners and supporters joined us for a special “Impact in Motion” tour of the expanding Medical & Dental Academy at Washington High School, where students are gaining hands-on experience, industry exposure, and real pathways into healthcare careers. The visit offered an inside look at the innovation and opportunity growing across SBCSC, and the powerful partnerships helping students build bright futures.

This was just the beginning! Stay tuned for future Impact in Motion tours as we bring friends and supporters directly into our schools to experience the energy, creativity, and student success happening across South Bend Schools every day.

Check out the WNDU Story about our visit: IMPACT IN MOTION

DARDEN BRINGS CREATIVITY TO LIFE

The Darden Art Show brought student creativity to life in a truly memorable way this year. To complement a year of farm animal-themed artwork, the South Bend Education Alliance helped fund a traveling petting zoo organized by teacher Courtney King, giving many students their very first opportunity to meet farm animals up close.

Students loved interacting with the animals they had spent the year drawing, painting, and learning about — and for many, the highlight of the day was getting to take a pony ride. The experience connected classroom learning with real-world exploration and made the celebration of student art even more meaningful.

“The art show was amazing this year! I loved the way you hung all of our art and I touched all of the animals. It was so cool!”
— Jeziah, 3rd grade

This spring, the South Bend Education Alliance has been grateful to receive several generous grants and community investments supporting our work on behalf of South Bend Schools students and educators.

First, we're excited to share that the Junior League of South Bend has selected the SBEA as its 2026 Project Partner, with a $30,000 investment supporting our Teacher Wishlists and Teacher Store programs. In addition to the financial support, Junior League members will also provide volunteer help in the Teacher Store throughout the year. 

We are also honored to receive a $20,000 grant from Schurz Communications, Inc. supporting a wide range of student and educator opportunities, including Field Trip Grants, Co-Curricular and Extra-Curricular Grants, and the Teacher Wishlist and Teacher Store programs. Their investment will help expand access to enriching experiences and essential classroom resources across SBCSC.

Finally, the Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund of St. Joseph County awarded the SBEA a $2,500 grant supporting the Teacher Wishlist and Teacher Store, helping ensure educators and students have access to supplies and materials that strengthen learning.

We are deeply thankful to these partners, and to all those investing in South Bend students and educators. Their generosity reflects the incredible impact that is possible when a community comes together to support public education.

GIVE BACK TO OUR SCHOOLS!

Donations play a vital role in our the work of the SBEA, funding

programs for students and teachers in the

South Bend Community School Corporation. 

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