The Tyler ISD Foundation provides resources to inspire learning, enrich teaching and enhance opportunities for District students through the support of exemplary programs. The Tyler ISD Foundation exists solely to support the teachers, students, staff, administrators and family members associated with the public school system in Tyler. The work of the Foundation is simple: seek funds and grant those funds to others. The Foundation, led by a Board of Directors and staff members, seeks funds through various activities such as: •The We Believe in Tyler ISD Campaign--which solicits funds from area businesses, philanthropists, alumni, parents, faculty and staff who believe in assisting the public school system. •The Annual Gil Hitt Memorial Golf Tournament--named for a respected former school board member, the golf tournament is the largest single-day fundraising event of the Foundation. •Grant writing and appeals to area organizations and foundations—in support of the teachers, staff and others within Tyler ISD. The Foundation grants these collected donations to the following: •Competitive grants to teachers, teams of teachers, campuses or the district to help the Foundation meet its mission; the district to meet objectives; the campus to meet its campus plan; and the student to reach optimal learning. •A Night of Shining Stars - an academic recognition event that honors the top twenty graduates and National Merit Scholars of both Tyler high schools and the teachers that most influenced their academic journey. •Support of worthy programs in the district. The Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that works closely with the school district but is an independent entity. It operates as a neutral group, serving as a catalyst for uniting the schools, businesses and the community of Tyler.