November 2019
The BHS Innovation Fund: It Takes a Village!
As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child, and at Brookline High School this couldn’t be more true. It also takes a village to run the BHS Innovation Fund, a community-funded nonprofit that fosters a culture of academic innovation at BHS by supporting the development of new courses and programs that are innovative, interdisciplinary and forward-thinking. 

Launched in 1998 , the Innovation Fund is led by BHS parents and members of the Brookline community―working in collaboration with BHS leadership and faculty―who volunteer their time, talents and energy to advance the fund’s mission . 

Volunteers play an integral role in setting the Innovation Fund’s strategic direction and moving the day-to-day work forward. There are a range of opportunities for involvement, depending on availability and interest, from joining the Board of Directors or Board of Overseers, to volunteering on one of the committees responsible for fundraising or communications, or by helping out with one of the Fund’s special projects or events. All events are run by parents, including the Gala-Rama , the Innovation Fund’s annual fundraiser and only all-BHS party for parents, as well as smaller social, educational and fundraising activities.
We recently asked BHS parents why they volunteer with the Innovation Fund and here’s what they had to say:

  • “Our oldest son took Engineering by Design as a freshman. He LOVED the class and it introduced me to the fabulous academic opportunities the Fund supports. These classes probably wouldn't exist without the Fund. Our son is now a freshman in college and is studying mechanical engineering. The Fund helped plant that seed.” ―Peter, 12th grade parent

  • "I have the opportunity to interact with faculty and administration in a meaningful way. I have also learned so much about BHS in a short period of time, thanks to my network of Fund parents who can share their wisdom with me." ―Hilary, 9th grade parent

  • “I was introduced to the Fund at their Rising 9th Grade Parents event and loved the concept of seed-funding new and innovative courses at the high school that could benefit all students across all grades. We have an incredible faculty at BHS, and the opportunity to support our teachers as they leverage and implement their own creative ideas resonated with our family.” ― Louise, 10th and 12th grade parent

At this time of year, as we pause to appreciate those around us, the volunteers of the BHS Innovation Fund are thankful for all of you. We look forward to building connections with more of you soon, as we continue to make a positive impact on the students and teachers at BHS.

We are always looking for new volunteers to join the team, as it really does take a village to realize the Fund’s mission. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, you can:


Thank you!
News from the Fund
Reminder! Our Online Auction is OPEN through 10pm on December 3rd. There is still time to bid on a wide variety of experiences and services... the holidays are coming, perhaps you can gift someone you know - or yourself - something special!
And finally, as we bid farewell to Gala-Rama '19, we thank our guests, sponsors, and volunteers for participating! We send a special shout-out to volunteer Deb Heffan, co-owner of S•H Events , for her expertise in helping this event shine, year after year!
The mission of the Innovation Fund is to empower the BHS faculty and community by fostering a culture of innovation and supporting the development of new ideas and initiatives that will enable our students to thrive in the 21st Century.