Greenwich Alliance for Education Celebrates 15 Years of Supporting Greenwich Schools

The Greenwich Alliance for Education, “The Alliance,” is celebrating 15 years of programming in support of Greenwich Public Schools.

Launched in 2006, in partnership with Greenwich Schools, the Alliance drives innovation, opportunity and access in learning to empower all students to achieve academic, personal and professional success. 

“The past 15 years have been defined by inspiration, partnership, innovation and growth. Whether it’s seeing the miraculous accomplishments of our AVID alumni, or hearing the melodies of our ‘Tuning In To Music’ students, or watching the GHS Education and Wellness Center officially open for support and collaboration, the Alliance has continuously shown their commitment to support the students and staff of Greenwich,” said The Alliance’s Executive Director Julie Faryniarz in a release. “And none of this would be possible without the volunteers, mentors and financial supporters of this crucial work. To anyone who has supported the Alliance over the years, I share with you my deepest gratitude. I can’t wait for what the next 15 years have in store for our community.”

Greenwich Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones congratulated The Alliance.

“The Alliance grants have offered the research and development funding needed by our educators to explore innovative ideas to enhance student experience and learning,” she said. We look forward to many more years of this partnership.”

A snapshot of Alliance Programming throughout the years: 

Where we started:

In October 2006, a Steering Committee of 8 along with 15 administrators, parents, community and agency leaders came together to launch the only education-focused non-profit in Greenwich. With first year expenses of $35,000, the Alliance started small. We offered Tuning In To Music and planned for Going Places with Books and Reaching Out Grants. In the intervening 15 years, the Alliance has dramatically expanded its impact — now supporting GPS students, families, alumni and educators from nursery school, through K-12 education, into college and beyond reaching $3.8M in program funding.

Working to close achievement and socio-economic gaps

  • AVID Elective at Greenwich High School has grown from a class of 16 students to 170, and expanded to Central and Western Middle Schools
  • $607,000 in college scholarships to 95 AVID alumni to reduce future debt
  • AVID SUCCESS, a new initiative providing essential extensions to the AVID experience including: 1:1 Mentoring, College Dorm Supplies, Educate and Prosper Savings Accounts at Members Credit Union, and Good Money Habits workshops to help AVID students develop financial literacy and save money for college
  • Bridging the Digital Divide addressed a critical need in 2011, giving students and families computers and connecting them to the internet 
  • Over 800 students have benefitted from Tuning In To Music lessons, representing 360,000 hours of one-on-one and small group free instrumental music instruction in grades 4-12
  • Designing programming and investing in Early Childhood Education, resulting in over $686,000 for our youngest learners and their families

Funding professional development & innovative programs designed by GPS staff

  • $1.7M in Reaching Out Grant funding to 52 different programs; representing exploration into virtual reality, Innovation Lab design and programming, maker space opportunities, The Developing Artist, and more

Supporting social and emotional learning and wellbeing

  • Dare 2 Care Mindfulness Training in all 15 Greenwich Public Schools
  • Greenwich High School Education and Wellness Center
  • Professional Development RULER Training at Eastern Middle School

Creating opportunities for community engagement

  • 11 years of Turkey Trot community and family fun, with more than 54,000 kilometers run and walked for a great cause
  • 15 years of collaborative relationships with organizations and foundations across Greenwich and Fairfield County, including: Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, Greenwich United Way, Greenwich YWCA, Greenwich PTAC, Greenwich Distinguished Teacher Award Committee, and many, many more. 

Upcoming Events: 

The Alliance invites members of the Greenwich community to join in the celebrations throughout this school year:

  • Annual Turkey Trot:
    Join the largest Greenwich community event of Thanksgiving weekend! Race or volunteer, as over 2,000 runners and spectators participate in this annual fun run to benefit the Alliance. Event date: Saturday, November 27, 2021, Arch Street Teen Center; Start Times: 1 Mile – 9:30am (sharp)/ 5K – 10:00am.
  • After the race, stay for the awards ceremony, refreshments and DJ.  Registration is open and sponsorship opportunities are still available.