News from: Palm Springs Unified School District
A grant for $20,000 will ensure that about 2500 students will have new shoes as they begin the 2024-2025 school year. The contribution was made to The Foundation for Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) through an Impact Grant, presented by the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation and News Channel 3.

“With the support of this grant and ongoing community contributions, The Foundation for PSUSD is able to make a difference in the lives of students across the district,” said Ellen Goodman, Foundation Director for PSUSD. “The Shoe Distribution Program is a simple yet powerful way to help the next generation in our community rise above their circumstances. This type of support lays the groundwork for students to reach their full potential.”

With more than 97% of students in the district classified as socio-economically disadvantaged by state standards, the need for basic necessities, such as footwear, is critical. In addition, about 12% of PSUSD students, approximately 2,500 children, are living in unstable housing situations. Among these, about 400 are verified as unhoused. These particularly high-risk students are given top priority in receiving new shoes.

“Well-fitting shoes are a back-to-school essential, as important as backpacks and pencils,” said Catharine Reed, Vice President of Charitable Programs for the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. “The Foundation for PSUSD is addressing a fundamental need that is necessary for both physical health and psychological well-being.”

Poverty, lack of resources, and societal stereotypes can all chip away at a child’s self-confidence and belief in their own abilities. However, a study revealed that after receiving new shoes, a group of students soared from a mere 35% to a substantial 100% feeling confident to express opinions with classmates. The study also showed a 21% increase in academic confidence, a 45% increase in social engagement and interaction, and a 26% increase in athletic confidence within weeks of receiving new shoes.

Now in its third year, The PSUSD Foundation’s Shoe Distribution Program has proven popular among students and critical to their health. Programs like this are a collaboration with the PSUSD Board of Education, the district superintendent and The Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization that pilots and underwrites existing initiatives that are unfunded or underfunded.

“The Foundation for PSUSD set an ambitious goal to raise money to purchase 2,500 pairs of shoes for this school year, and the community came through to help. We are proud to be a part of this initiative as well,” said Jerry Upham, General Manager of Gulf California Broadcast Company, which owns and operates KESQ News Channel 3 and KPSP CBS Local 2.

The Berger Foundation presents Impact Grants in partnership with News Channel 3. Impact Grants are awarded on the concept that through service, funding, and awareness, we are “Making a Difference Together.” In addition to the grant, each organization also receives media coverage about its mission across News Channel 3’s various platforms including News at 4 and kesq.com. To learn more about The Foundation for PSUSD or its Shoe Distribution Program, go to psusdfoundation.net/shoes. For more information about Impact Grants, go to kesq.com/life/impact-grants.