In late 2018, a small group of people passionate about East Hartford Public Schools came together to brainstorm ways in which to engage alumni, our community and other stakeholders to support our students and schools. This dedicated group of people decided to launch the East Hartford Alumni Association and Education Foundation (EHAAEF), a 501c3 non-profit organization, with a mission to promote excellence, innovation, and creativity in education for our students through networking, mentoring, and fundraising. We have developed three primary areas of focus: 1. To create a network of alumni who are committed to East Hartford Public Schools 2. To develop mentoring programs that support the success of our schools and students 3. To raise financial resources to support scholarships and innovative educational programs throughout East Hartford Public Schools Many communities in Connecticut have foundations that work to raise funds to support a number of educational initiatives. Some foundations focus on supporting college scholarship programs. Other foundations award mini-grants to teachers so they can fund special enrichment programs for students in their classrooms. Our first year goals include raising funds to support five $1000 scholarships for resident students who graduate from an East Hartford Public School as well as launching an East Hartford Public Schools Hall of Fame to recognize the accomplishments and success of generations of East Hartford students.