Wishing you and your family and wonderful Thanksgiving!

'25-'26 NEWSLETTER SPONSOR:

GIVING TUESDAY

A Note from Executive Director Amy Daniels

Dear Friends of WiSH,

As we reflect with gratitude this Giving Tuesday, we know that many in our community are facing challenging times. Rising costs, economic uncertainty, and stretched resources are affecting families in every corner of the Santa Clarita Valley. Yet, even now, one thing remains true: together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.

The WiSH Education Foundation exists to fill the gaps that tax dollars simply can’t cover - programs too vital to cut, too important to postpone. We support over 20,000 students in grades 7-12 across the Hart District, and every student since 2012 has benefited from WiSH support.

What we fund changes from year to year and month to month, depending on need. That's why our funding focus is STEAM with an emphasis on student wellness - so that all students can benefit from our support. In fact, every student since 2012 has benefited from WiSH support. From STEM to the ARTS, SPECIAL EDUCATION to every WELLNESS CENTER, WISH steps in to make the difference. We fund student programs that are not fully funded by tax dollars.

This Giving Tuesday, your gift helps sustain and expand some of our most critical initiatives. Take a look at just a bit of what we have funded:

• Student Wellness: We’ve established/funded and annually maintain student wellness centers on every campus, offering students a safe place to unwind and access support. We have also supported resources like music therapy programs, baseline concussion testing for student athletes, CPR mannequins, and even campus defibrillators.

• Chromebook & Desk Programs: Many students lack access to the technology or physical space they need to learn. Our Chromebook program ensures that under-resourced students stay connected. Our Student Desk Program, during COVID, provided desks and chairs to those who may not have had a stable workspace.

• STEM & Makerspace: We have funded science equipment, Next Generation Science Standards supplies, upgraded computer-science labs, “Girls Who CODE” programs, graphing calculators, math intervention, and makerspaces where students can build, create, and innovate.

• Literacy: Writing programs, access to library books, and literacy software help students of all backgrounds improve their reading and communication skills.

• Special Education: Our funding supports classroom programming, supplies, and infrastructure like living-skills labs that empower students with special needs.

• The Arts: Whether it’s digital media, music, painting, or performing arts, our arts funding helps students express themselves and grow creatively.

• Career & College Readiness: We've provided resources for career-technical training and we proudly offer a year-long, FREE College Bound Webinar Series presented by Certified College Counselors.

• Immersive Academic Pathways: We've also supported specialized pathways like Biomedical Science and Athletic Training, preparing students for real-world careers.

Why your support matters more than ever:

• No government funding — WiSH does not receive state or federal education dollars. We rely entirely on donated funds from the community and occasional grants.

• Your donation supports only Hart District students, funding programs that might otherwise be lacking tools and resources.

• Resources for basic needs — In a time of rising costs, your gift ensures students have the tools (like Chromebooks) and support (like wellness centers) they need just to show up and thrive. Did you know that roughly 30% of our students in the Hart District are socioeconomically disadvantaged?

Our Board of Directors strongly believes that every student, no matter their passions or challenges, deserves to have the tools for success. Right now we're being asked to do more with less. We'd like to say "Yes" to every ask, but we can't.

Your generosity changes lives. You’re helping students feel safer, more supported, and more capable of reaching their fullest potential—especially when they need it most.

Today, would you consider making a Giving Tuesday contribution? Any amount helps.

A gift of $10, $25 or greater makes a difference, and choosing to make that a monthly donation allows us to sustain essential programs year-round.

Thank you for believing in WiSH’s mission, and for standing with our students during these tough times. Your compassion today becomes opportunity tomorrow.

I remain deeply grateful for the support we receive from our community. I am wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Warmest regards,

Amy

Were you at:

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This webinar series is designed to help college-bound high school students and parents navigate the significant steps in college admissions. Experts from college admissions and planning will help guide families and share best practices so you can be confident and have peace of mind as you approach this exciting time.

All webinars held 5:00 – 6:30 pm

Interactive; Q&A will be moderated through chat

REGISTRATION FOR LIVE WEBINARS IS FREE

Recordings are $35 as a WiSH fundraiser; purchase HERE

Questions? Email wish@hartdistrict.org

Next up:



2/11/26 College Athletic Recruiting 

Led by the team from Student Athlete Advisors, this webinar will demystify the recruitment process for student-athletes. It will include the different types of athletic college opportunities, what special considerations athletes should have, and how students can reach out to relevant coaches. They will also cover new important updates on NCAA rules and regulations.

• A MUST SEE Webinar if your student is interested in playing college-level sports.
• The rules of participation in college sports are changing rapidly – this is a must-attend webinar for athletes and parents of all ages.

3/11/26 College Admissions for Visual & Performing Arts Majors 

This session is a must-see for any student pursuing theater, visual arts, acting, film, music, design, and other creative college majors.

4/15/26 How to Manage Higher Ed Costs – Financial Aid, Scholarships and the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) 

Learn the ins and outs of need-based and merit-based financial aid. Expert advice on searching for scholarships and learning about the fantastic benefits and pricing of the Western Undergraduate Exchange for students living in the Western US. 

• How to navigate and apply for scholarships – local (SCV Scholarships), national, university (institutional) and more
• How to pay for college
• What is WUE? (Western Undergraduate Exchange)
• How does WUE impact my choice?
• Financial aid
• AP transfers
• School size
• The difference between “need based” and “merit based” scholarships
• Why choose an out-of-state school?
• Does my student qualify?
• How can my school counselor assist?
• Resources for the FAFSA

3rd Annual Variety Showcase

A district-wide talent show for all students, teachers and administrators in the

Hart District.

February 27, 2026

SUBMISSION WINDOW IS OPEN NOW

THROUGH 1/30/26

WiSH Upon a Car Showcase

MAY 16, 2026

HYATT VALENCIA PARKING LOT

6-9pm

Interested in sponsorship or being a retail vendor?

Email wish@hartdistrict.org

WISH is a 501(c)3 public charity that originated in 2011 with a group of community education advocates. WiSH was created to "bridge the gap" in state funding for education and support student programs for the over 21,000 students in the Hart School District - grades 7-12 public schools in the Santa Clarita Valley. Every single penny we raise - through community support, fundraisers and grants - stays in the district and benefits students.

DID YOU KNOW that WiSH supports our homeless, displaced and socioeconomically disadvantaged students, and that approximately 30% of our students are labeled as socioeconomically disadvantaged? DID YOU KNOW that WiSH established/funded wellness centers on campuses district-wide, and that they fund all centers' annual maintenance of renewables and provide support for center programs and resources? DID YOU KNOW that WiSH supports special education, literacy, music, the arts, student health and safety programs, and more?

WiSH’s funding focus is STEAM with an emphasis on Student Wellness, and we continue to benefit every student in the district by providing support where tax dollars fall short.

WiSH strongly believes that all students, no matter their passions or challenges, deserve to have the tools for success.

We are your community nonprofit; whether you have a child in our district or not, our success is your success - we all benefit from great schools in our neighborhoods!

We are grateful for your support.

LEARN ABOUT THE PROGRAMS WE SUPPORT

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WHAT WE'RE FUNDING THIS MONTH:

• Wellness at Academy of the Canyons

We earned our 2025 Guidestar Platinum Badge AND our 2025 Great Nonprofits Badge!

Have you attended our events, been a volunteer or love what we do? Please help us earn our next Great Nonprofits top-rated badge by clicking below and giving us your 5-star rating!

Stories about us from people like you will help us make an even bigger impact in our community.

CLICK HERE TO TELL YOUR 5 STAR STORY!

Mark your calendars, it's time to get out and MAKE AN IMPACT (we make it easy for you)!

Upcoming Events

Hart District's Got Talent

Friday, February 27, 2026

WiSH Upon a Car Showcase

Saturday, May 31, 2025

SCV Music Festival

Fall 2026

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU GET YOUR WORD OUT?

Support the easy way!

Want to donate directly?

WiSH receives no outside funding, raising every penny through community donations, events and grants. We appreciate your support!

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