Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation
YOUR Public School Foundation.
What We Do.
The Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation (LREF), a not-for-profit, 501c(3) philanthropic organization was conceived in 1984 by a visionary group of teachers, administrators and community leaders who saw the need to create an organization to engage alumni but also raise and distribute funds that would bridge the gap between what government funding provides for public schools and what is really needed to ensure a world class education for students.
Since then, LREF has distributed millions of dollars in support to the schools. In the last 5 years alone, LREF has provided an average of $100,000 dollars per year to fund opportunities in academics, the arts, athletics, technology and more for over 4,200 Lakewood students in all 12 of our city schools. These contributions have insured that the Lakewood Schools continue to rank with the best educational opportunities anywhere, public or private.
Lakewood has been known for its excellence in public education for generations. LREF provides support and opportunities that enrich the educational experience of each and every student in the Lakewood Public Schools and assists Lakewood Alumni in maintaining their connections to their classmates and their Alma Mater.
Our Programs
From honors and awards to scholarships and cultural experiences, LREF provides students with recognition and opportunities to enhance excellence in learning and elevate the quality of each and every student's education.
Photo by Alexander Belisle
Alumni
One of the most important goals and functions of LREF is to maintain a sense of community and connectedness among the thousands of our LHS alumni. We want to hear about your alumni news and your plans for reunions. We want to meet you when you visit Lakewood and LHS to hear about the great times you had there. We want to help you connect with old friends and remember those who have passed on.
Support
Whether you make a one-time or monthly contribution, a class gift from your reunion group, contribute to or create an endowed scholarship fund or designate a planned gift from your estate, you honor our founders’ vision to maintain a world class education in the Lakewood Schools.
LREF is proud to announce that its strong financial health and ongoing accountability and transparency has earned a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator. This rating designates LREF as an official “Give with Confidence” charity, indicating that our organization is using its donations effectively based on Charity Navigator’s criteria. Charity Navigator is America’s largest and most-utilized independent charity evaluator. Read our press release here.
