Ways of Investing in Our Students

Here are the areas that need your generous funding support:

General Operating Fund

This is often the best way to support the school because it allows leadership to allocate funds where they are needed most. Your gift to the general operating fund will ensure that programs remain strong, that the facilities are well-maintained, and that the school's essential infrastructures are enhanced.

Our Home: Campaign for Hope – Pathways to Opportunity


In 2003, the Russell Byers Charter School moved to a new site at 1911 Arch Street, where we can take full advantage of what the city has to offer. Our three-story building encompasses 55,000 square feet in which to create a quality educational facility. After six years in our wonderful home, we envision new spaces to expand minds and build 21st Century Skills.

To help our students expand their minds, we have expanded our space by "fitting out" the lower level of the school with walls, carpet, and lighting. While the space is usable, imagine the day when it will hold our 5,000-square-foot Learning Center, complete with a 10,000-book library; a storytelling area, and banks of computers in the Tech Connections Center. To view layout plans and naming opportunities, please download our new $5 million Campaign for Hope brochure [1.3MB PDF].

Chess Program


The Russell Byers Knights Chess Team continues to make us proud each year competing in state and national championships. Participating in these competitions not only allows team members to excel, but also gives them the unique opportunity to travel. To do so, the team needs support to help finance these exciting trips. Learn more about the Knights.

Scholarship Program


For the 2009-2010 school year, Byerschool Foundation distributed $65,000 to support full and partial scholarships for 22 students to attend selective secondary schools. The need for the Scholarship Program will inevitably grow as more talented RBCS students graduate and enter independent and parochial schools. Learn more about the program and to meet our current scholars. Please help us continue to support these incredible students!

Thank You to Our Current Foundation Investors:

  • National Recreation Foundation - ABC Leadership Program and Instrumental Music
  • RJM Foundation - Science
  • Maurice Romy Foundation - Science
  • Brook J. Lenfest Foundation - 21st Century Skills Initiative
  • Forrest & Frances Lattner Foundation - Technology
  • Hamilton Family Foundation - Campaign for Hope
  • Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation - Instrumental Music
  • Verizon Foundation - RBCS Teaching Fellows
  • R.K. Mellon - RBCS Knights Chess Team