PLCS Community Engagement Center : Growing Up Greater : PLCS Foundation

Growing Up Greater is a three-year, $10 million community fundraising campaign designed to strengthen connections between our schools and the community. Funds raised will support the construction of a modern, two-story Community Engagement Center on the PLCS Central Office campus.

Led by the PLCS Foundation, the campaign welcomes support from local businesses, foundations, educators, alumni, and friends who believe in the power of education and community.

Naming and recognition opportunities are available throughout the PLCS Community Engagement Center. Contact us to discuss options or click here.

Lee Denker, Executive Director
lee.denker@plcsfoundation.org | 402 829-1343

Mindy Bieck, Development Director
mindy.bieck@plcsfoundation.org | 402-763-9014

▸ PLCS Central Office Campus

The PLCS Community Engagement Center will be conveniently located within the historic PLCS Central Office campus. It will feature state-of-the-art spaces designed to improve programs that enhance educational success.

▸ PLCS Community Closet

Since 2021, the PLCS Community Closet has offered free clothing and hygiene products to families in need—serving 694 families in its first year and nearly 1,000 in 2024. Rising demand highlights both growing need and its vital role. But with limited space, we’re at a turning point. A larger, better-equipped facility will help more students access the essentials for success.

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We expect to serve over 2,000 families annually by 2033-34—more than double today's reach.
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Since 2023, 28,896 items have been distributed to local students and families.
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This sustained growth reflects both rising community needs and the increasing trust placed in this program.

▸ Kids Club

Kids Club is a lifeline for working parents by providing school-based childcare in all PLCS elementary schools. It serves 1,300 students annually with high-quality care while offering teens meaningful, paid jobs and valuable mentoring experiences. With expanded headquarters and collaboration space, Kids Club will enhance operations for enrollment growth.

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With both school-year and summer enrollment at record highs, Kids Club has outgrown its current infrastructure.
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Summer demand alone has nearly doubled in five years, signaling a shift in what families need and expect.
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A larger, more centralized Kids Club HQ is vital to streamline operations and better serve nearly 1,300 students annually.

▸ Training and Event Center

Centralized teacher training facilities are stretched to capacity—limiting opportunities for professional development and collaboration. The new Training and Event Center will change that, with flexible spaces for large and small workshops. Overlooking City Park and the Papio Creek, it will also serve as a hub for events and reunions—bringing people together to celebrate the community we love.

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Current training center in the central office was built in 1995, and also serves as the school board room.
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PLCS has grown 71% over the past 30 years—adding 5,000 students since 1995.
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PLCS has added more than 350 new teaching positions since 1995

▸ PLCS Foundation

Founded in 1986 by community volunteers, the PLCS Foundation is committed to supporting student needs beyond public funding. Our new headquarters will expand our impact, strengthen partnerships, and highlight PLCS’s rich history through preserved artifacts.

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Last year, we had 1,870 unique donors.
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The PLCS Foundation provided $1,280,000 in direct support to PLCS schools in 2024.
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We help 34 unique PTOs, Booster Clubs and friends of PLCS with fund management and fundraising.

▾ Learn More

▸ If you would like to contacted about donor opportunities, click here.

▸ Click here to view our campaign brochure.

▾ Click each image below to learn more.

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