Alumni Scoop - July 20, 2022

VOLUME 4 | JULY 20, 2022

Welcome to our Alumni Newsletter! To stay in the know follow us on Instagram or Facebook @nfcsalumni or visit our website.

Visit our Website

Alumni Spotlight - Jasmine Martinez '18

Jasmine Martinez is a 2018 graduate of New Foundations Charter School. She played softball and soccer during her time at NFCS. She currently attends Neumann University studying Sports Management and she will be going to graduate school for Sport Business. At Neumann University, Jasmine plays on the Women’s Ice Hockey Team. This year Jasmine was picked to announce the 2022 NHL Draft for the Philadelphia Flyers! She explains, “It was a really cool and interesting experience and I hope to do it again one day.” Another huge accomplishment from college this year is when Jasmine was awarded the service award from the Office of Leadership. Check out the pictures of Jasmine from this year’s NHL Draft. We’re so proud of all the amazing things Jasmine has accomplished and can’t wait to see what else is in store for Jasmine!

Events

Upcoming Bulldog Barbecue Event

Join the NFCS Alumni Association at our next event! On August 6, from 12pm-3pm we will be barbecuing at Pennypack on the Delaware (right down the street from NFCS!). This is a FREE event that includes food, lawn games, and music. There will also be baskets being raffled - check them out on our Instagram or Facebook (@nfcsalumni). A plus-one. is also welcome! Connect with other alumni, eat some food, play some lawn games, and have a good time!

Happening August 6, 2022

Class of 2022 Senior Breakfast Highlight

On May 20, 2022, New Foundations Charter School celebrated the the Class of 2022 by holding its Annual Senior Breakfast! NFCS Seniors were invited to enjoy a catered breakfast from Al's Corner Deli and to spend a few more moments with each other as students of New Foundations.

At the Senior Breakfast, the Alumni Association spoke to students about their plans after graduation and the growing NFCS Alumni community. Students won prizes such as candy, coffee cups, and Wawa gift cards! We hope to see our new New Foundations Alumni at future events!

Our First Bulldog Legacy Award Winner

Congratulations Irene Moran on receiving our first ever scholarship, the Bulldog Legacy Award. This scholarship is given to a senior who reflects the mission of New Foundations, was active and engaged during their time in school, engaged in service and brought together students. Congratulations Irene and best of luck on your next adventure!

NFCS Updates

New Chief Executive Officer

For the last 15 years, Mr. Zagacki has served as a teacher and school leader in both charter and district schools in New York City and Philadelphia.

Mr. Zagacki began his teaching career in Brooklyn after graduating from New York University with his Bachelor’s degree. In 2009, Mr. Zagacki moved back to Philadelphia and began working at Freire Charter School. Since then, he has taken on a variety of roles at Freire, including Special Education teacher, Director of Special Education, Assistant Head of Academics, and Head of Academics for the High School.

Mr. Zagacki is a visionary leader, an advocate for students and a builder of relationships and community. His track record of leadership is a great fit for New Foundations as we continue to uphold our mission and to redefine what it means to be a great school. Mr. Zagacki began his work with us on June 20.

Postsecondary Opportunities & Resources

There are many postsecondary opportunities after graduation, including scholarships, job and internship postings , events, and resources. Below we have provided some opportunities and if you would like more information feel free to contact us!

Scholarships & Grants (click titles to apply)

Endowment for South Asian Students of Indian Descent (ESASID) Scholarship

“Drs. Jitendra M. and Saryu J. Desai established the Endowment for South Asian Students of Indian Descent (ESASID) scholarship in 2002. Starting in 2003, a scholarship is available each year for a South Asian student of Indian descent enrolled full time in his/her second, third, or fourth year at an accredited Pennsylvania medical school. Applicants must be residents of Pennsylvania or New Jersey."

Requirements:

Applicants must be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident.
Applicants must be a Pennsylvania or New Jersey resident for at least 12 months before registering as a medical student (not including time spent attending a PA or NJ undergraduate/graduate school).
Applicants must be a South Asian Indian or a descendant of a South Asian Indian immigrant to the United States. The following lineage qualifies: self, parent(s), grandparent(s), or great-grandparent(s) of South Asian Indian heritage.
Applicants must be enrolled full time in a fully accredited Pennsylvania medical school.
Applicants must be enrolled in his/her second, third, or fourth year of medical school.
Applicants must have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Deadline: September 3, 2022

Award Amount: $5,000

The Achieve Today Scholarship Fund

“Achieve has a mission to help individuals 'awaken their greatness' through personal coaching and education. During individual coaching sessions, Achieve students have the opportunity to learn life-changing principles such as the Law of Attraction, raising frequency, the power of gratitude, and changing the way they think. Achieve has been able to work miracles in the lives of their students and is excited to help college students become clear, live fulfilled, and Achieve more. Achieve Today is offering this scholarship to students in the United States who submit a three to five minute video, audio, or essay on a topic of personal development or high performance. Achieve believes that the formative college years are some of the best to learn and practice the principles of the law of attraction.”

Requirements:

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and a current student of an accredited US university or college.
In addition, current students of the Achieve coaching program are eligible to apply.

Deadline: August 31, 2022

Award Amount: $1,000

Chaffin Luhana Anti-Distracted Driving Scholarship

“The Chaffin Luhana Foundation, a non-profit organization that encourages the development of human potential and supports community empowerment, is pleased to announce that it is accepting submissions for its annual Anti-Distracted Driving Scholarship. The 2021 scholarship will award a local student in the Greater Pittsburgh area helping in the fight against distracted driving with a $2,500 scholarship to be applied toward further education. Recognizing the dangers associated with distracted driving – while at the same time committed to educating and acting upon it – the Chaffin Luhana Foundation’s annual campaign invites students to submit an inspiring essay about distracted driving."

Requirements:

Must be currently registered at an accredited high school, college, or university in the Greater Pittsburgh area* including Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and Northern West Virginia.
Currently going into or in final year of high school or enrolled as an undergraduate student.
Must be under the age of 25 as of July 31, 2022.
Scholarship money must be used towards student housing, books, or tuition.

Deadline: July 31, 2022

Award Amount: $2,500

The 2022 TD Ready Challenge

“The TD Ready Challenge is our annual North American initiative, which has ten (10) $1 million grants available to organizations developing innovative, impactful and measurable solutions for a changing world. This signature program created by TD is a key component to delivering on the bank’s corporate citizenship platform, the TD Ready Commitment.”

Requirements:

Canadian registered charities and not-for-profit organizations; or
U.S. charitable and not-for profit organizations which meet the following criteria and can provide written confirmation of same:
Have received Section 501(c)(3) determination from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS"); or
Are treated by the IRS as an organization that is not a private foundation as described in Sections 509(a)(1),(2) or (3) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "IRS Code"); or
Are a local/state government organization.

Deadline: August 11, 2022

Award amount: $1 million (10 awards)