Prospect Ridge Academy Foundation

Protecting opportunity for future generations of Miners!

What the PRA Endowment Is

The Prospect Ridge Academy Endowment is a way for our community to support students today while helping ensure PRA remains strong and stable for the future.

The endowment provides long-term support for student opportunities and experiences that go beyond core funding. It is designed to grow over time, giving the school flexibility and stability as it continues to serve students and families in a changing world.

Why an Endowment Matters at PRA

As a public, tuition-free charter school, Prospect Ridge Academy offers a rigorous, college-preparatory education rooted in community, character, and whole-student development.

The endowment represents more than a financial strategy — it is a declaration of confidence in the school’s mission as a college-preparatory public school committed to developing academic, social, and ethical leaders. “This is about shifting from covering shortfalls to building legacy,” said Patty Kelly, Director of Communications, member of the PRA gala leadership team and foundation advocate. “Our ambition must continue to adapt, innovate, and expand to prepare students not just for college but for leadership in a world that will look very different by 2038.”

For years, PRA has relied on the generosity of its community to bridge the gap between public funding and the true cost of delivering a high-level college-preparatory education. That support has fueled remarkable growth — from the school’s early days in a strip mall to the thriving K–12 campus it is today.

At the same time, public school funding can shift with economic conditions and political priorities, creating uncertainty from year to year. The endowment provides long-term stability, allowing PRA to plan responsibly, protect student opportunities, and remain focused on its mission regardless of external changes.

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“With the pace of change in the world, we must ensure our students are prepared for challenges we can’t yet foresee. This endowment allows us to think beyond annual needs and build long-term stability so we can continue creating tomorrow’s leaders.”

April Wilkin, Executive Director of Prospect Ridge Academy.  

What the Endowment Supports

Endowment funds are used to enhance student experiences and expand access across the school, while complementing, not replacing, core educational services supported through public funding.

  • Advanced Placement courses and AP testing access
     Supporting access to college-level coursework and exams so students can fully engage in rigorous academic opportunities, regardless of financial barriers.

  • Leadership development and civic engagement programs
     Expanding opportunities for students to build confidence, responsibility, and leadership skills through real-world learning, service, and community involvement.

  • Math and science literacy initiatives
     Strengthening foundational and advanced learning experiences that support problem-solving, critical thinking, and preparation for future academic and career pathways.

  • Performing Arts enrichment opportunities
     Supporting experiences such as festivals, competitions, travel, and audition-related costs so students can participate fully in music, theater, and creative programs beyond what general funding can provide.

  • Athletic enrichment opportunities
     Expanding access to tournaments, clinics, and competitive experiences that promote teamwork, discipline, and personal growth while reducing financial barriers for families.

  • Whole-student support initiatives
     Enhancing programs and services that support students across a wide range of learning needs and interests, while also investing in continued professional development for staff so students receive thoughtful, responsive support.

  • National and global learning opportunities
     Providing students with experiences that broaden perspectives, deepen understanding of the world, and connect classroom learning to real-world contexts.

  • Scholarships and college access support
     Helping students and families navigate post-secondary pathways through financial support, resources, and opportunities that make college and career goals more attainable.

  • Faculty professional development
     Investing in ongoing learning for teachers and staff to support instructional excellence, innovation, and the ability to meet the evolving needs of students.

These priorities reflect Prospect Ridge Academy’s commitment to academic excellence, whole-student development, and long-term stewardship of the school’s mission.

A Commitment to the Whole Student

At Prospect Ridge Academy, students are known, supported, and encouraged to grow as learners and as people.

The endowment allows PRA to continue expanding programs that support students with a wide range of interests and learning needs, while also investing in ongoing learning for educators and staff.

Importantly, these funds enhance the PRA experience without reducing existing supports or services.

Stewardship and Oversight

During its initial phase, the PRA Endowment is overseen by school leadership and the Board of Directors.

As the endowment grows, long-term stewardship structures will be developed to ensure responsible management and alignment with PRA’s mission and values.

The school is committed to transparency and ongoing communication with the community.

How to Get Involved

Families, alumni, and community members all play an important role in supporting Prospect Ridge Academy.

Gifts to the endowment, whether one-time or recurring, help strengthen student opportunities and support the long-term health of the school.

Many supporters find that a recurring gift is an easy way to participate. Monthly or quarterly contributions allow families to spread their giving over time while helping the endowment grow steadily and responsibly.

All gifts to the endowment are used to enhance student experiences beyond what annual funding supports.

How to Give

There are several ways to support the Prospect Ridge Academy Endowment, and every contribution, at any level, helps strengthen student opportunities and support the long-term health of the school.

Families and community members may choose to make a one-time gift or set up a recurring contribution that provides ongoing support throughout the year. Both options play an important role in growing the endowment over time.

If you have questions about giving options or would like to explore ways to support the endowment that are meaningful to you, we welcome the conversation.

Make Your Gift Today!

Thank You to Our Supporters

The Prospect Ridge Academy Endowment was launched through the generosity and belief of families, community members, and supporters who care deeply about PRA and its students.

We are grateful to our founding supporters whose early gifts helped establish the endowment and set a strong foundation for the future. Their commitment reflects a shared belief in the value of a PRA education and a desire to ensure student opportunities continue for years to come.

Just as important, we thank every donor, past, present, and future, who chooses to support this long-term effort. Whether through a first gift, a recurring contribution, or ongoing advocacy for PRA, each act of support helps strengthen the school and the experiences we are able to offer students.

This endowment is a collective investment in the future of Prospect Ridge Academy, made possible by a community that believes in caring for both today’s students and those who will follow.

Initial Endowment Donors

Thank you to all of our families who helped launched the PRA Endowment at the 14th annual gala, held this past February 7, 2026!

Clint Brown
David and Nicole Cox
The Dinise Family
The Durst Family
The Ellis Family
The Engelstad Family

The Frost Family
The Houle Family
The Hinners Family
Andrew and Carina Jenkins
Andrea and Andrew Kullhem
The Kunze Family
The Malin Family
Kristen and Ryan McGrotty
The Minor Family
The Reischling Family
The Richards Family

Corey and Johnelle Shaw
Robert and Stephanie St. John
The Stoub Family
Dan and Erika Tran
The Thong Family
Peter and Rachel Varra
Katelyn and Kristofer Vickland
The Whitehead Family
April and Josh Wilkin
David Wilson
The Yang Family, as well as all of our anonymous PRA family donors!