Special Projects

Special Project 2024: Fueling Future Minds

At the Royal Bash on March 2 we will be raising funds to support HEF and Hopkins Public Schools’ annual special project benefiting Hopkins students, “Fueling Future Minds.” With rapid technological advances, we are excited to team up for this forward-thinking special project. Together, we’ll fund new computer science, data analysis, and artificial intelligence (AI) learning opportunities, tools and experiences. We are excited to equip Hopkins students to tackle global challenges, answer society’s big questions, and shape a better future for all.

The Royal Bash is sold out, but you can support this special project by donating directly. You can also support the Royal Bash and our grants program by purchasing raffle tickets (952-988-4097 or jana.hoober@hopkinsschools.org) or becoming a virtual silent auction bidder.

Project Components

At the District level

  • Hopkins will hire a staff person dedicated to developing a computer science pathway and experiences for all K-12 students

Elementary schools

  • Hands-on experiential coding tools/robots (Bee-Bots, Kibo)

  • Imagination & Computer Science Fair

Middle schools

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) 6th and 7th grade “Design” classes and 8th grade Community Project will expand computer science skills and tools

  • Hands-on coding tools (Raspberry Pi)

High school

  • Expand course offerings for computer science and in invest in partnerships & internships with local technology companies

  • Raspberry Pi coding and AI racing robotics club

““We will be raising money to prepare our students for a whole new world with our special project ‘Fueling Future Minds.’ Our students will need to have a strong foundation in data science and technology that is increasingly part of every career. They also need to understand how to analyze data to be well-informed citizens. With our special project, Hopkins Public Schools can provide the resources and staff to make that happen. Join us and make a difference!””
— Executive Director Emily Wallace-Jackson

HEF and Hopkins Public Schools Special Projects

  • Graphic: Step Into a Brilliant Future

    Step Into a Brilliant Future

    Our 2023 Special Project focused on preparing all Hopkins students for the future, from maximizing elementary teacher literacy training; growing secondary students math skills with the Academic Skills Center, and expanding the Health and Human Services Pathway of study to include the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) lab.

  • Graphic: Pathways to a Healthy Future

    Pathways to a Healthy Future

    This multi-year Special Project in 2021 and 2022 addressed the critical and imminent mental health needs in classrooms across our District, with the addition of calming corners, a food shelf, professional development for staff, and more.

  • Graphic: Full Steam Ahead

    STEM: Partnering Through Excellence

    As the increasing importance of STEM education became apparent, HEF partnered with the District in 2013 and 2014 to enrich instruction with hands-on STEM kits for elementary school classrooms and Rolling Robotics Labs for middle schools. In its second year, we expanded to include K-6 before- and after-school programs, including Kids & Company, S.M.A.R.T.S., and Summer Enrichment.

  • Stack of iPads

    Unleashing the Power of iPad

    From 2010 through 2012, HEF partnered with the District to pilot and roll out iPad technology for all middle school students. This was the beginning of the game-changing use of technology throughout the District.

  • Close up of speaker for sound system

    A Sound Investment

    Between 2003 and 2006, HEF invested approximately $200,000 in classroom sound amplification systems. Those systems are still in use today.