August 2024 Newsletter

Teachers will carry what they learned from Founding Forward back to the classroom.

Teachers across the country are preparing their lesson plans, and in a matter of days or weeks will prepare to start the new school year! This school year, 308 teachers will return to the classroom with more education, empowerment, and enrichment from attending Founding Forward’s seven summer teacher seminars that were hosted over the last two months.

Teachers carry the inspiration and insights from our seminars and workshops into their classrooms. They will have fresh perspectives to convey the relevance of American history to their students, and to frame that history for what it is: the ongoing implementation of the great American experiment.

Founding Forward’s immersive civic education multiplies in impact. It is estimated that in any teacher’s career, they will impact the lives of 3,000 students. With the 308 teachers who attend programs this summer, several thousands more lives will be impacted. It is a chain reaction that begins with your involvement and support. Thank you for being a part of Founding Forward.

Best wishes to our scholarship recipients as they start their collegiate pursuits.

This past spring, Founding Forward awarded a total of $414,000 to 12 students as part of our 2024 Union League Scholarship and Abele Scholarship programs. The funds will assist the recipients with their pursuits throughout their post-secondary education (college/university and trade schools). These programs require an extensive application, including an external letter of recommendation, record of grades, financial information, a personal statement, and an essay. These students have demonstrated hard work, dedication, and continued leadership.

We are thrilled to have these remarkable young men and women as part of the Founding Forward community, we wish them the best in the coming school year as they pursue their academic, professional, and personal goals.

Over 70 years of scholarship programs, Founding Forward has awarded approximately $8 million to nearly 1,500 students in support of their college and other post-high-school educational endeavors.

Spirit of America continues strong.

Congratulations to all the high school students who participated in Founding Forward’s Spirit of America Youth Leadership programs this year! Students in grades 10-12 enjoyed four days of focused, compelling education and activities that engaged them in the first principles of freedom. They left with a better understanding of their future responsibilities to society, as well as leadership skills that will last a lifetime. Thus far in 2024, we have already hosted 504 students for these programs.

Registration is now open for our October 17-20 session. You can find more information on the Freedoms Foundation website as we continue work on the new Founding Forward website.

Spirit of America, held at our Valley Forge campus, is just another example of the impact of the combined strengths of our merged organizations. Thank you to our chapters and partners for their work to recruit students and their support of these programs.

Thank you to our PA Day volunteers.

Thank you to the 50 volunteers and partners who joined Founding Forward and the Friends of the Medal of Honor Grove during our America250 Pennsylvania Day event at our Valley Forge campus on July 20. Participants helped us beautify our living tribute to each of our country’s 3,500+ recipients of our nation’s highest military award for valor. Among the volunteers was long-time Founding Forward supporter Sandy Lipstein, who brought several of his martial arts colleagues, as well as County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz and Miss Gettysburg!

The Founding Forward Valley Forge campus is home to our multi-day student education programs, and the Medal of Honor Grove is a moving complement to the students’ experience.

Pennsylvania Day was part of the nationwide preparation for America’s 250th anniversary of Independence Day. We look forward to more ways to celebrate America’s 250th through America250, America250PA, and local groups. Follow us on social media for the latest on everything happening at Founding Forward.

Attend our Speaker Programs.

Speaker programs are a great way to engage and learn more about a variety of subjects. These programs are presented in-person at Union League properties, and virtually live and post-program via our YouTube channel. To attend in person, please click the corresponding registration links below.

We are grateful to all who help us create an informed and engaged citizenry through education about the principles, rights, and responsibilities enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States, empowering individuals to participate in and uphold our system of self-government.

To enjoy the benefits above, simply make a tax-deductible donation at www.FoundingForward.org or contact Christyn Moran, Chief Advancement Officer, at moranc@unionleague.org.