Emily Shane Foundation Earns Nonprofit Status

The Emily Shane Foundation, formed to honor the late , has received official nonprofit status. Donations are therefore tax deductible.

The main goal of the Foundation is to fund a program called Successful Educational Achievement, or SEA. This program will provide tutoring to students who have learning or processing issues, many of whom are on 504 plans. Initially, SEA will target middle school students who struggle academically and risk failure due to a lack of funds and access.

The Foundation will act as a safety net to help these students succeed. One-on-one tutoring by qualified educational therapists, teachers, etc. can make the difference in attitude, self-esteem and performance.

Initially, SEA will begin as a pilot project within the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Dr. Sally Chou, chief academic officer, is overseeing its implementation and has embraced the cause as one that is very much in need.

"I am very grateful that Emily Shane's family has created a Foundation in her honor to provide tutoring for students who struggle due to learning/processing problems in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District," Chou said. "These students need additional assistance and support beyond the school day to enhance their learning experiences."

She continued, "The Foundation will target students with greater needs for accommodations in their learning process. The Foundation is a wonderful remembrance of a young woman whose life was cut short, but her spirit lives on. It is a great honor for us to support the Emily Shane Foundation.”

Students who have processing problems, for example, still struggle despite the accommodations provided by 504 plans. Many are not on these plans. Dr. Chou has recognized that there is a tremendous need in this particular area where, until the implementation of  SEA, no specialized support system exists. The average hourly rate for the specialized tutoring is approximately $80. The program will provide each student participant with weekly tutoring. With approximately 40 weeks of school in the year, the average annual cost per student is $3,200.

Emily was on a 504 plan due to diagnosed processing problems and academics presented her with some real challenges. She was fortunate enough to have access to wonderful tutors who helped her navigate her schoolwork and become as successful as she could be in the classroom.

For further information, please contact me at ellen@emilyshane.org or call 213-290-5441

Donations of any amount will be greatly appreciated. The academic year begins in August and the program requires funds to get off the ground.

Please help make a difference in a student’s life for Emily.