The Blount County Education Foundation provides opportunities for children and teachers throughout Blount County, Alabama.
At the beginning of 2023, Allison Insurance discussed as a team which charity they wished to support. “It was clear that our team was passionate about supporting our schools and providing opportunities for the kids in our community,” recalls Agency President Scott Nesbitt. “It also matched with who we are as company in educating and helping our clients.”
Inspired by this shared passion for education-focused programs, the Allison Insurance team decided to partner with the Blount County Education Foundation (BCEF). During the summer of 2023, the Allison Team had two volunteer days where they visited local elementary schools during the BCEF’s summer program. Allison Team member Malika Watkins said, “It was an amazing experience to interact with the kids and see up close the activities and fun that the summer program creates.”
Allison Insurance Marketing Manager Lauren Washburn, who also works as a physical education teacher at J.B. Pennington High School, had firsthand experience with the BCEF. Lauren’s mother is the longtime librarian at JB Pennington and this year Lauren followed in her mother’s footsteps by receiving a teacher grant from the BCEF for new mirrors in the school’s weight room. Lauren shared, “The BCEF does amazing work to support the teachers and students in Blount County.”
Providing Support and Opportunities for Students
In Blount County, Alabama there are many kids in need of special support. It could be a lack of transportation, lack of 3 meals, or a child could be learning English as a second language. The BCEF aims to give extra care to children who are less fortunate, with a desire to give all children the same chances to succeed.
“The research is clear: the outcomes for students are not dictated solely by the skill level of the students, but more so the opportunities provided to them.”
—Mitchie Neel, executive director of the Blount County Education Foundation
The BCEF aims to enrich the lives of students by exposing students to areas of interest they wouldn’t otherwise have been exposed to. The summer learning program provides high-quality, high-engagement camps that open doors for students to explore their interests, talents and passions. The program also uses special projects and partnerships to help meet the non-academic needs of the campers.
A summer learning opportunity students love
The BCEF holds numerous events throughout the year, ranging from their annual Radiothon fundraiser to hosting academic tournaments and spelling bees. One of the biggest offerings is the BCEF Summer Program. In 2023, nearly 1,500 children were part of this program, where they get to participate in classes focused on reading and math support, music, theater and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) activities. The program has also done an amazing job in allowing students to better retain classroom knowledge through summer break.
“We are always expanding our countywide summer program to provide as many learning opportunities as possible,” said Mitchie Neel, executive director of the BCEF. “For instance, in 2023, we were thrilled to give books to our summer campers to create or expand their home libraries.”
“When I met Mitchie Neel, the executive director of the BCEF, I was blown away by the impact the nonprofit has in our community, as well as the level of passion and dedication I saw in the team running the organization.”
—Scott Nesbitt, president of Allison Insurance
Making an impact as an agency
In addition to volunteering for the summer program, team members of Allison Insurance have committed themselves to the nonprofit in myriad ways. They donated $2,500 during the 25th annual BCEF Radiothon. Additionally, they are encouraging clients to participate in their efforts to support Blount County students via volunteer time, book donations and monetary contributions.
“When I met Mitchie Neel, the executive director of the BCEF, I was blown away by the impact the nonprofit has in our community, as well as the level of passion and dedication I saw in the team running the organization,” said Nesbitt. The agency intends to continue their support for the nonprofit with more volunteer days in 2024, as well as additional participation in this year’s summer program.
BCEF, Blount County Alabama works so hard to provide for all schools in the county.
Thank you so much for all you do for our students!!
Thank you seems so inadequate for everything BCEF has done for our community! The students have been very cared for, uplifted and nurtured because of the program!
Thank you for supporting the BCEF. They so great things for Blount County students and teachers!
Thank you so much for supporting the BCEF and the grants provided through the BCEF. As a recipient of grants, my classes have had more opportunities to experience real world hands-on learning that would not have been possible without funding. As a summer camp teacher, I have been blessed to get to share my passion – Visual Arts – with students and hopefully encourage them to embrace their own unique creativity when they leave camp. Thank you again for prioritizing our schools in Blount county.
Thank you Allison Insurance for your partnership with the BCEF! The Blount County Education Foundation helps provide our students with opportunities and experiences that otherwise not be attainable. Thank you both!
The Blount County Education Foundation supports the schools in areas that we would not be able to fund. They help provide so many enrichment opportunities that help extend our students’ learning. Students will reap the benefits for years to come in the future from these efforts. We are so appreciative.
The Blount County Education Foundation has made such an impact on the lives of the students at the Blount County Learning Center. Through their grants we have been able to provide resources to our students that would otherwise be out of reach. It is a pleasure to live and work in Blount County and to be so blessed to have an organization like the Blount County Education Foundation as a partner.
Thank you Allison Agency for your support of the BCEF and the teachers and students of Blount County.
I am the bookkeeper at Blountsville Elementary and thanks to the BCEF, our school has numerous resources for our teachers and students. We are so thankful for everything BCEF has done for our school.
Thank you for all this opportunity!
Mitchie and the BCEF do an awesome job supporting student learning and safety.
I don’t think a price tag could be set on the ability to purchase potential life-saving equipment and teaching how to use it. Thank you Allison Agency for your support!
Because of the BCEF I was able to purchase new chairs for my Computer Science classroom. This was a huge improvement to what we had. I extend my sincerest thanks to the Blount County Education Foundation for your unwavering support and generosity. Your dedication to enhancing educational opportunities for students is deeply appreciated, and I am immensely grateful for the positive impact you have made on our classroom.
I am a retired teacher whose classroom was impacted by the Foundation with grants that improved my instruction and provided materials I would not otherwise have had access to. Now I love the summer programs they fund!
The Blount County Education Foundation has made a positive impact on countless students over the years. Thank you Allison Agency for supporting our students and teachers in Blount County!
THIS IS GOOD FOR OUR BLOUNT COUNTY SCHOOLS
Thank you for all you do
I am so proud to be apart of the Blount County Schools and get the privilege to serve our students. The Blount County Education Foundation is instrumental in all we do. Thank you Allison Agency for your support and service to Blount County students.
Great program!
This is such a great program and I am so excited to be a part of it.