The Foundation for Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) announced Aug. 12 that it had received an Impact Grant in the amount of $20,000 from by the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation and News Channel 3.
The donation will ensure that approximately 2,500 students will have new shoes as they start the 2024-25 school year.
"With the support of this grant and ongoing community contributions, The Foundation for PSUSD is able to make a difference in the lives of students across the district," said Ellen Goodman, director of the foundation, a nonprofit that incubates innovative ideas and creative initiatives to help open doors, minds and opportunities for students to flourish and prosper.
"The shoe distribution program is a simple yet powerful way to help the next generation in our community rise above their circumstances. This type of support lays the groundwork for students to reach their full potential."
Statistics show that more than 97% of students in the district are classified as socio-economically disadvantaged by state standards. As a result, the need for basic necessities like shoes is critical. In addition, approximately 12% of PSUSD students — an estimated 2,500 children — are living in unstable housing situations with approximately verified as unhoused. These students are given top priority in receiving new shoes.
"Well-fitting shoes are a back-to-school essential, as important as backpacks and pencils," said Catharine Reed, vice president of charitable programs for the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. "The Foundation for PSUSD is addressing a fundamental need that is necessary for both physical health and psychological well-being."
While a lack of resources and societal stereotypes can negatively impact a child's self-confidence, a study shows that simply receiving a new pair of shoes can provide students with a 21% boost in academic confidence, a 45% increase in social engagement and interaction and a 26% boost in athletic confidence within a matter of weeks. "When you grow up facing economic hardship, it's easy to start doubting yourself and feeling like the deck is stacked against you," Goodman says.
The PSUSD Foundation's shoe distribution program, now in its third year, has proven to be beneficial to students and their mental health. The program is a collaboration with the PSUSD Board of Education, the district superintendent and The Foundation.
"The Foundation for PSUSD set an ambitious goal to raise money to purchase 2,500 pairs of shoes for this school year," said Jerry Upham, general manager of Gulf California Broadcast Company, "and the community came through to help. We are proud to be a part of this initiative as well."
"At the end of the day, confidence is one of the most valuable resources we can provide to these kids," Goodman says. "By giving new shoes, students get a chance to develop genuine confidence in their talents and capabilities — we're giving them a tool to write their own success stories."
For more on The Foundation for PSUSD and its shoe distribution program, visit psusdfoundation.net/shoes . To learn more about Impact Grants, visit kesq.com/life/impact-grants .
About Gulf California Broadcast Company
Gulf California Broadcast Company owns and operates five TV stations in the Palm Springs market, including the local ABC (KESQ) and CBS (KPSP) affiliates. GCBC is committed to providing the community with local news and information along with the connectivity that brings people and organizations together. As part of this ongoing commitment to the community, GCBC is proud to partner with the Berger Foundation to present the Coachella Valley Spotlight, which supports local charities.
About the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation
The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation is a private foundation that generously supports educational and other charitable projects.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: PSUSD Foundation: New shoes provide confidence for students
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