Sylvan Argo, executive director of the LAPS Foundation, speaks to the Kiwanis Club. Courtesy photo

BY BROOKE DAVIS
Kiwanis Club

At their July 7 meeting, the Kiwanis Club hosted Sylvan Argo, the Executive Director of the Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation (LAPSF). She presented the mission, achievements, and goals of the foundation as well as their upcoming activities.

With a vision of “an exceptional public education for all LAPS students”, the foundation views their mission as being “committed to innovative and responsive support for the Los Alamos Public Schools”. They accomplish this by connecting to the community and district, evaluating needs, and investing resources to fill those needs They believe that engaged and informed parents, inspired and dedicated educators, a nurturing school environment with equitable and challenging learning opportunities, and strategic and sustainable funding are required to achieve the vision.

The LAPSF supports the vision through numerous grant cycles and scholarships. They awarded 39 scholarships last year, 7 of which were in collaboration with the Friends of the Los Alamos County libraries (FLACL). In 2026, a total of $93,000 was awarded, including current and renewal scholarships. Grant Funding is used in many ways, including: Mini Grants for teachers to help purchase something needed in their classroom, Wellness Grants supporting staff and student wellness initiatives, great ideas grants supporting innovation, Math or Literacy Family Nights at elementary schools, and Professional Development Grant for teachers.

Upcoming events include an Anytime Fitness sponsored 5K and 1-mile Fun Run/Walk Aug.1
in White Rock, a CRM Productions sponsored Hilltopper Run Aug. 16, and a 20th Anniversary Event Sept. 13 at Blue Window.