Harford County Education Foundation is a non-profit community organization supporting excellence in education. Its purpose is to secure and provide funding that supports services and programs to enrich the educational experience, maintain academic excellence and create innovative opportunities for students in Harford County Public Schools. The Education Foundations mission focuses on the community working together to engage in the educational needs of children with an emphasis on students who live in poverty. By engaging in opportunities to enhance education through innovative classroom programs and supporting our teaching staff through needed classroom materials and school supplies, the Foundation can foster an environment that supports high quality education and teacher longevity. Educational and business leaders want today’s students both to master school subjects and to excel in areas such as problem solving, critical thinking, and communication – abilities often referred to by such labels as “deeper learning” and “21st –century skills”. Increasing academic rigor and 21st-century competencies show consistent, positive correlations with desirable educational and career outcomes. The Education Foundation provides students with the extra supports and enhancements that they need to build these skill sets and be fully prepared for school and life.