Branford Education Foundation, Inc.
Robert "Bob" A. Babcock, Founder
The Branford Education Foundation, Inc. was created in 2004 with a mission to foster excellence in public education by funding programs that enhance the capabilities of Branford Schools. The Branford Education Foundation is comprised of a Board of Directors dedicated to supporting educational projects that otherwise would not be funded by the town's public education budget. A completely voluntary organization, the Foundation ensures that 100 per cent of all its donations are directed to the schools. Branford is fortunate that when Bob Babcock moved to Branford he saw the need for the Branford Education Foundation and founded the organization.
Bob Babcock's experience in the start and growth of another successful Education Foundation in Cheshire, CT, as well as volunteering to assist in the start-up of education foundations for other CT towns, has given Branford students, educators and parents an advantage in programs and funding "getting off the ground running". The Branford Education Foundation and its Board of Directors intention are to stimulate interest at the teacher level, the student level and with the parents. This foundation desires to operate as a "research and development wing" of the public education system in Branford Public Schools. Teachers are encouraged to submit their innovative ideas for stimulating classroom-learning experiences that tie into curriculum by submitting their ideas in a simple form supplied by the Foundation and approved by the Board of Education.
The Branford Education Foundation programs that can make a difference in Branford children's education include Inspiration Grants which are designed to ignite the creative spark in all of our educators rewarding innovation in all fields. This is a grant to teachers for curriculum innovation. Grants are facilitated through a proposal process spearheaded by the Superintendent of Schools and an Advisory Council. The Professional Advancement for Educators Program acknowledges the connection between teaching excellence and student performance, providing funding for Branford teachers to enhance their skills through attendance at conferences and participation in courses and workshops. The Foundation will collaborate with Branford’s "Teacher of the Year" and "Education Hall of Fame" programs to grant awards for Teaching Excellence to educators who are chosen through these two well-established programs. From time to time, the school system and our community may face critical challenges of opportunities that require special attention and assistance from the Foundation. The Focus Grant program will collaborate with the Superintendent's office to address those issues through its grant making.
A sampling of Branford Education Foundation grants that have been funded include: "Responsive Classroom", "Science, Technology, Engineering And Math (S.T.E.A.M.), New Alliance Foundation Math Trail at Walsh Intermediate School, "Spring into Health, Health Fair at Walsh Intermediate School", "Cooking Buddies", "Computer Measuring Devices for BHS Science" and the "Connecticut River Salmon Association School Program".
Robert "Bob" Babcock is a Connecticut native and has had an extensive career in industry and commerce, always actively sharing his expertise to improve our communities. Bob retired as President of Hartford Fire Equipment when he first "retired" in 1996. He is currently President of another firm, Fi re Protection Testing, Inc. and has been so since 2004. Bob's community involvement began with the Cheshire, CT Planning and Zoning Commission where he served as chairperson. Bob was active in other Cheshire organizations such as: the Cheshire Economic Development Committee, The American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Cheshire Crusade Against Cancer, a founding member of the Women's Emergency Shelter, and also the Cheshire Pool Committee.
Mr. Babcock fostered growth in education in Cheshire by not only founding the Cheshire Education Foundation but also helped to raise almost one million dollars for the town's students and teachers in just eight years. Bob was also a member of the Board of Trustees at Cheshire Academy and on the Cheshire School/Business Partnership Advisory Council. Bob Babcock has received awards that include the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year, Cheshire Board of Education, Pillar of Society, Cheshire Academy Recognition Award and the American Cancer Society Achievement Award. Bob Babcock resides in Stony Creek and has been a Branford resident since 2002. This dynamo is also active in BCTV, Board of Directors, Stony Creek Association, Board of Directors and Church of Christ Congregational, Stony Creek as Head Deacon. Bob's daughter Stephanie, grandsons, Trevor and Hunter, his son Robert, wife Christine and granddaughter Emily all live in CT. Bob is engaged to MaryAnn Tranquilli.
Bob Babcock's experience in the start and growth of another successful Education Foundation in Cheshire, CT, as well as volunteering to assist in the start-up of education foundations for other CT towns, has given Branford students, educators and parents an advantage in programs and funding "getting off the ground running". The Branford Education Foundation and its Board of Directors intention are to stimulate interest at the teacher level, the student level and with the parents. This foundation desires to operate as a "research and development wing" of the public education system in Branford Public Schools. Teachers are encouraged to submit their innovative ideas for stimulating classroom-learning experiences that tie into curriculum by submitting their ideas in a simple form supplied by the Foundation and approved by the Board of Education.
The Branford Education Foundation programs that can make a difference in Branford children's education include Inspiration Grants which are designed to ignite the creative spark in all of our educators rewarding innovation in all fields. This is a grant to teachers for curriculum innovation. Grants are facilitated through a proposal process spearheaded by the Superintendent of Schools and an Advisory Council. The Professional Advancement for Educators Program acknowledges the connection between teaching excellence and student performance, providing funding for Branford teachers to enhance their skills through attendance at conferences and participation in courses and workshops. The Foundation will collaborate with Branford’s "Teacher of the Year" and "Education Hall of Fame" programs to grant awards for Teaching Excellence to educators who are chosen through these two well-established programs. From time to time, the school system and our community may face critical challenges of opportunities that require special attention and assistance from the Foundation. The Focus Grant program will collaborate with the Superintendent's office to address those issues through its grant making.
A sampling of Branford Education Foundation grants that have been funded include: "Responsive Classroom", "Science, Technology, Engineering And Math (S.T.E.A.M.), New Alliance Foundation Math Trail at Walsh Intermediate School, "Spring into Health, Health Fair at Walsh Intermediate School", "Cooking Buddies", "Computer Measuring Devices for BHS Science" and the "Connecticut River Salmon Association School Program".
Robert "Bob" Babcock is a Connecticut native and has had an extensive career in industry and commerce, always actively sharing his expertise to improve our communities. Bob retired as President of Hartford Fire Equipment when he first "retired" in 1996. He is currently President of another firm, Fi re Protection Testing, Inc. and has been so since 2004. Bob's community involvement began with the Cheshire, CT Planning and Zoning Commission where he served as chairperson. Bob was active in other Cheshire organizations such as: the Cheshire Economic Development Committee, The American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Cheshire Crusade Against Cancer, a founding member of the Women's Emergency Shelter, and also the Cheshire Pool Committee.
Mr. Babcock fostered growth in education in Cheshire by not only founding the Cheshire Education Foundation but also helped to raise almost one million dollars for the town's students and teachers in just eight years. Bob was also a member of the Board of Trustees at Cheshire Academy and on the Cheshire School/Business Partnership Advisory Council. Bob Babcock has received awards that include the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year, Cheshire Board of Education, Pillar of Society, Cheshire Academy Recognition Award and the American Cancer Society Achievement Award. Bob Babcock resides in Stony Creek and has been a Branford resident since 2002. This dynamo is also active in BCTV, Board of Directors, Stony Creek Association, Board of Directors and Church of Christ Congregational, Stony Creek as Head Deacon. Bob's daughter Stephanie, grandsons, Trevor and Hunter, his son Robert, wife Christine and granddaughter Emily all live in CT. Bob is engaged to MaryAnn Tranquilli.