Professional Development

The Orchard Foundation administers several components of The Rapides Foundation's Education Initiative, including coordination of professional development institutes for Central Louisiana educators.

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School Readiness

The Orchard Foundation's focus on School Readiness seeks to ensure more children are ready to enter kindergarten. Studies show children who attend some type of early childhood program before kindergarten are more likely to complete high school and go through their entire school careers without repeating a grade. 

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Career and Postsecondary Readiness

Assessments of Central Louisiana show that many young Cenla residents are not prepared for the next step after high school, and as a result are not in a position to obtain jobs that will ensure their future economic well-being.

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Partner Programs

The Orchard Foundation was established by The Rapides Foundation in 2004 to act as a nonprofit local education fund to improve educational opportunities for Central Louisiana educators.

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Education Impacts Health

Research tells us that when people are more educated, their health is better.

The Rapides Foundation’s Education Initiative seeks to increase the level of educational attainment and achievement among Central Louisiana residents as the primary path to improved economic, social and health status. The Rapides Foundation provides a grant to The Orchard Foundation to administer many components of its Education Initiative.

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Recent News

11 administrators complete Leading for Better Instruction program
Thu, 23 March, 2023

11 administrators complete Leading for Better Instruction program

Leading for Better Instruction is a training curriculum for administrators developed for Central Louisiana by the...
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U.S. Department of Education grant to transform two Avoyelles Parish Schools
Mon, 6 February, 2023

U.S. Department of Education grant to transform two Avoyelles Parish Schools

The Orchard Foundation has been awarded a five-year, $2.5 million U.S. Department of Education grant that will be...
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2022 CLIP graduates begin teaching careers
Thu, 12 January, 2023

2022 CLIP graduates begin teaching careers

Ten individuals began their careers as middle school math and science teachers in the fall of 2022 after graduating...
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Orchard Events

06
April
2023

Vernon Parish: Read to Soar Program

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06
April
2023

Rapides Parish: Read to Soar Program

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04
April
2023

Grant Parish: Math to Build On Program

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03
April
2023

LaSalle Parish: Read to Soar Program

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15
March
2023

Natchitoches Parish: Math to Build On Program

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