ABOUT US
The Wilbraham-Hampden Academic Trust
The Wilbraham Hampden Academic Trust (W.H.A.T.) is a nonprofit organization composed of caring and concerned parents and friends of the district. This collaboration between Wilbraham and Hampden community members has invested in our schools and teachers since 2003, funding over a $200,000 in grants that went directly to teachers to benefit programming for our children.
Board of Directors
Michael Stachowicz
President
Mark Atkin
Vice President & Committee Chair
Ashley Mahoney
Treasurer
Amanda Vasta
Secretary
Christine Judd
Grants Director
Carolyn Balicki
Resource Development Director & Committee Chair
Steven Webster
Director
Daniel Joyce
Director
Alex Ryan
Director
Linda Ezziddin
Brand Marketing Director
as of Feb 2023
More about W.H.A.T.
What We Do
The Wilbraham-Hampden Academic Trust’s goal is to attract outside funding and distribute grants directly to the district’s educators and schools, thus empowering them with the financial means to create innovative, imaginative and enriching learning opportunities for all students, Pre-K-12, that go beyond the conventional school budget and resources. By doing so, we also hope to foster a greater pride in not only our schools, but our community.
How It's Done
Through efforts year-round, our fundraising committee works toward maintaining a source of funding that is available to fulfill grants approved by our grant review committee. School outreach members encourage and provide assistance to teachers looking to apply for a grant. Community outreach members provide a link to the residents of our towns, sharing the important work that is being done and striving towards getting even more support from our community.
What We've Done
Since its incorporation, W.H.A.T. has approved grants that have benefited each and every school in our district. Ranging in amount from $150 - $10,000, some grants have provided students with access to a one-time opportunity, while others have become a standard part of their curriculum in the schools.