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Foundation

Our Mission

The purpose of Union Schools Education Foundation is to unite our community and cultivate resources to advance the district mission of 100 percent graduation college and career ready.

Union Schools Education Foundation

The Union Schools Education Foundation is an exclusively educational and charitable, non-profit corporation. Separate and apart from Union Public Schools, the Foundation maintains its own integrity while working closely with the District. Tax-exempt donations from individuals, corporations and foundations are used solely for the benefit of our students and teachers for projects that would otherwise go unfunded.

The Union Schools Education Foundation was organized in 1991 by Union District patrons and administrators who were dedicated to making investments in education and enhancing the quality of life in our community and state.

Two women are arranging colorful balloons in a gymnasium, with a large balloon arch in the background.

 

Contact

918-357-6014

Union Schools Education Foundation
8506 E. 61st Street 
Tulsa, OK 74133 

Shea Ludwig

Shea Ludwig
Executive Director

Jennifer Oetken
Auction Coordinator

Investments

In recent years, public funding for Union Public Schools has been enough to cover the basics: salaries, building costs and some classroom supplies. What's lost? The ability to implement innovative programs and ideas from teachers, parents and students due to lack of funding. That's why your help is so important. Support of the Foundation is an investment in our children, our schools and our community.

While Union Public Schools depends on public funding for basic district operations, implementing innovative programs and ideas often require additional resources. The Foundation is instrumental in providing private contributions and funding for creative programs as well as recognition for our teachers and their impact on students.

Community Partners

The Union Foundation relies on our Tulsa community partners to support our students, teachers and programs. Whether its buying a table at our annual Night of FOCUS event, donating a basket for the silent auction or showing their support with a financial donation - we couldn't do what we do without their help. ​

Consider showing your support to these local businesses.

Educator Experiences

The Union Schools Education Foundation supports a variety of “Educator Experiences” throughout the district, including the awarding of grants, recognition of employees and support for the annual Teacher of the year celebration each spring.

History

The Union Schools Education Foundation was organized in 1991 by parents and administrators who were dedicated to making investments in education and enhancing the quality of life in our community and state. The foundation would supplement the funding of school endeavors. There were 10,000 students in the district at the time.

The Foundation’s early fundraising activities included a performance puppet group from China, selling videos of graduation, backyard cookouts, and selling bricks from the original Union High School. The funds at that time were used to fund teacher grants, a program that is still in existence.

Jayden Rosario Receives Kulsum Siddiqui Impact Award Scholarship

June 22, 2026 - The Union Schools Education Foundation Board of Trustee is proud to announce Jayden Rosario as the inaugural recipient of the Kulsum Siddiqui Impact Award Scholarship.

Created by the USEF Board of Trustees, the Kulsum Siddiqui Impact Award Fund honors Kulsum's extraordinary dedication to Union Public Schools and her lasting impact on the success of the Foundation, explained Shea Ludwig, exectuvie director of the Foundation. The award recognizes students, educators, and staff members who exemplify service, leadership, innovation, perseverance, educational excellence, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the Union community.

Funding for the award is made possible through a portion of net proceeds generated by USEF's annual fundraising event, ensuring that the success of our community's generosity continues to create opportunities for those who make an impact.

As the first-ever recipient, Jayden has been awarded a $6,400 scholarship to support his studies at the University of Southern California.

"Congratulations, Jayden! We are excited to see all that you accomplish and grateful for the example you have set for others," Ludwig said.

A group of people stand in front of a balloon arch in a modern building lobby as Jayden Rosario is honored with Inaugural Kulsum Siddiqui Impact Award Scholarship

Jayden Rosario, Class of 2026, holds a mock check after receiving the $6,400 inaugural Kulsum Siddiqui Impact Award Scholarship from the Union Schools Education Foundation. He is surrounded by his family, members of the Foundation and staff at Union High School.

Union Schools Education Foundation At A Glance

Two women in white outfits fist-bump while sitting on chairs in an empty arena with tiered seating in the background.
A teacher guides a young boy in a classroom as they interact with a robotic toy on a grid.
Five women in festive attire pose for a photo in front of a bar area with blue lighting.
A man wearing a cap and a woman in a cowboy hat smile at the camera in front of a blurred, brightly lit background.
A smiling couple takes a selfie in the foreground with a banquet hall decorated for a %22Union Boots & Buckles Bash%22 in the background.
A woman in the foreground holds up paddle number 385 at a %22Boots & Buckles Bash%22 event, while in the background, other attendees in cowboy hats are seated at tables.
A group of eight people in denim attire poses for a photo in front of a balloon arch and a %22Boots & Buckles Bash%22 banner.
A man and woman in cowboy attire pose in front of a balloon arch and illuminated letters.
Two women in cowboy hats smile at the camera in the foreground, while a banquet hall with tables and other guests is visible in the background.
Two men in cowboy attire converse in the foreground, while a blurred background reveals other guests and a stage area.
Five women pose in front of a large illuminated %22Boots & Buckles%22 sign adorned with balloons and cowboy boot cutouts, with a neutral carpeted floor in the foreground.
Two men in cowboy hats and western shirts high-five in the foreground, with a blurred background of an event space.
Two graduates in red gowns and caps pose with a woman in a striped shirt and white skirt, with a large university logo and other graduates in the background.
A smiling couple in cowboy hats poses in front of large, illuminated letters and a balloon arch.
A group of people stand in a hallway with a balloon arch behind them, holding a large check.
Two men in cowboy hats and western shirts smile at the camera in the foreground, while a blurred background shows a formal event with tables and guests.
Three people stand under a balloon arch holding a check, with seating areas visible in the background.
Two women smile at the camera holding a colorful sign that reads %22U6 Center Amber Darden%22 in front of a blurred background of people and a stage with a hawk logo.
A group of seven young women and three adults stand in front of a large red logo on a dark wall, with one adult presenting a check to another.
Two women smile on either side of a large red hawk mascot in the foreground, with a dimly lit stage set featuring a bookshelf and a diamond-shaped sign in the background.
A man and woman stand holding a check under a red, black, and white balloon arch in a brightly lit lobby with seating areas visible in the background.
Three people stand in front of a large U-shaped logo, with two women on either side of a man holding a large check.
Children pose in front of a play market stall with colorful decorations and toys in the background.
A young boy in a cap and suspenders operates an old-fashioned ice cream maker in the foreground, while a colorful bookshelf with a %22let's READ%22 sign is visible in the background.
A chef stands behind a wooden counter set with wine glasses and place settings, with a professional kitchen visible in the background.
In the foreground, two women are excitedly bidding at an auction, while in the background, other attendees are seated at tables in a dimly lit room.
Five people stand in a well-lit lobby with a large logo on the wall behind them and seating areas visible in the background.
A rustic banner for a %22Boots & Buckles Bash%22 event stands in the foreground, with a digital screen and balloon decorations visible in the background.
A group of people stand in front of a large red %22U%22 logo, holding a giant check, with a digital clock displaying 22:50:34 in the background.
A group of people in cowboy hats and western attire pose for a photo at a formal dinner with a blue-lit ballroom in the background.
Four women in denim dresses stand smiling in front of a plain, textured wall.
Four women stand in front of a large, illuminated %22Boots & Buckles%22 sign adorned with a balloon arch, with a softly lit room in the background.
Three smiling women are in the foreground, with a dimly lit room and other people visible in the background.