Special Funds

Sunburst logo with yellow rays extending outward from a central point.

IPEI stewards special funds created by donors to further our mission while honoring influential people or organizations. Many funds support annual awards to recognize students, teachers and school personnel who exemplify the spirit of each fund.

A group of three people, two students and one adult, standing on a stage with a large screen behind them showing a presentation about the class of 1968 scholarships. The girl on the left and the boy on the right are holding certificates. A table with
Three individuals standing together on a stage, smiling, holding certificates, with balloons and an Ithaca High School emblem in the background.
People on stage during an award ceremony, with a large screen displaying the text 'The Abraham & Denise Lee Aspiring Educators Award' and images of two individuals. A table with a red tablecloth labeled 'Little Red' is in front of the stage, and a bo
IPE Director and awardee shaking hands on a stage with a large screen behind them displaying 'The IPE Senior Class Gifts' and the Ithaca Public Education Initiative logo. The man on the right is holding a certificate.

  • The Ithaca High School Class of 2001 initiated this fund to honor the memory of classmate Ian Alberta and support the Kids Discover the Trails in Ithaca program.

  • The Phyllis B. Brodhead Library Media Technology Grant helps the school library media centers keep current with technological advances. Two Red and Gold Grants are awarded each year in memory of Chuck Brodhead. Their family and friends made gifts in their memory which were added to funds earmarked for IPEI from Chuck’s will.

  • Established by Carol’s family and friends, the fund provides a scholarship award to talented students pursuing advanced study in the arts.

  • The IHS Class of ’68 created this fund to honor two students who are acting in the ‘spirit of social change’ with a scholarship award. The Class also sponsors a Red & Gold grant.

  • Scholarships are provided to ICSD middle school students to pursue summer music activities at a pivotal time in their musical development.

  • The fund provides financial need-based scholarships for elementary student instrument rentals and secondary student instrumental music trips.

  • The Imaan Grewal Memorial scholarship is awarded to a senior with a good academic record to assist them in pursuit of further education in college or a technical school. In keeping with the personality of Imaan, the recipient should demonstrate affection, amiability, positive spirit, and compassion.

  • Coach Jeff Dobbin served the greater Ithaca Basketball Community as the “Coach of the 6th-grade Program” for close to twenty years. As a tribute to his service, this award will be given annually to a senior student/athlete who models being an upstanding citizen and overall ambassador for their sport. 


  • The ICSD Superintendent’s Fund supports the Abraham and Denise Lee Aspiring Educators Award, recognizing one or more ICSD students who show promise as potential future educators and educational leaders.

  • The family of Raymond and Joan Loehr started a fund to make two annual awards: the Innovative Science Teaching Award and the Environmental Science Scholarship.

  • The late Noreen Moore believed in strengthening families, especially those in need. To continue her legacy, the scholarship is awarded to a high school senior planning to study social work and/or early childhood education.

  • Each year the Senior Class of Ithaca High School votes on three awards that are funded through donations made to the fund since its establishment in 2004:

    • The New Teacher Award honors an untenured high school teacher who exemplifies enthusiasm and creativity in teaching

    • The Student Organization Award goes to a club that makes a significant positive impact on student life

    • The ICSD Staff Member Award honors an exceptional staff member.

  • This award made by an anonymous donor to honor local educators Glenda and Cal Walker recognizes a graduating senior who “shows up every day and gives it their all, never needing to draw attention to themselves. They've shown grit, determination, perseverance, and resiliency. They have done well in school and help others however they can.”

  • Friends and family of Yan Wang ’05 established this Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor his amazing life and career. Yan was an enthusiast of technology, whether it be his involvement in robotics at Ithaca High School or mechanical engineering at MIT. This fund aims to enrich STEM education for future generations of students at IHS and award select members of the Code Red Robotics Team.

  • The Dan Wood IHS Class of 1964 Scholar-Athlete Awards for academic and athletic excellence are to be given annually to one female and one male member of each graduating class of Ithaca High School who exemplify the qualities that made Dr. Daniel P. Wood a leader, a top scholar, an athlete of eminence, and a beloved friend, coach, and mentor of thousands.

  • The family of Ling Zhang has established this award in recognition of all the tireless work she continues to engage in to support her children. They hope that your experience reflecting on your own “unsung hero” has been valuable and that this award helps our entire community reflect on those who deserve our gratitude.

Interested in learning more about creating an IPEI Special Fund or Award?