Bible in the Schools Presents $2.3M Community Gift to Hamilton County Schools
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., August 3, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Bible in the Schools, a longstanding Chattanooga organization committed to advancing Bible education for students in Hamilton County public schools, proudly announced today the delivery of a significant contribution of nearly $2.3 million to Hamilton County Schools. This generous donation serves to reimburse the entire cost of the countywide elective Bible program in Hamilton County. The community gift presentation took place on July 27, 2023, and marked the 101st year of the organization's unwavering dedication to providing students with access to a Bible education.
Mrs. Cathy Scott, President of Bible in the Schools, together with Mr. Tom Glenn, Chairman of the Board of Bible in the Schools, had the honor of presenting this remarkable gift on behalf of the organization. The check was received by Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson during a special ceremony held at the Hamilton County Schools Central Office. Mrs. Scott, who is in her eighth year as President of Bible in the Schools, said, "It is with deep honor that we present this gift to Hamilton County Schools. The free gift of a public school Bible education is a result of 101 years of extraordinary community generosity through Bible in the Schools. Thank you to all who have invested in our mission."
"We are very pleased to support Hamilton County Schools by reimbursing the entire cost of the countywide elective Bible program," said Mr. Glenn. "For over a century, Bible in the Schools has been committed to fostering biblical literacy among students, and this contribution underscores our enduring commitment to that mission. We firmly believe that providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the Bible can enhance their cultural and historical knowledge."
The elective Bible program, made possible through the collaboration between Bible in the Schools and Hamilton County Schools, offers students an opportunity to engage with the Bible's teachings in an academic setting. The program emphasizes critical thinking skills and encourages students to explore the historical, literary, and cultural aspects of the Bible, fostering a deeper understanding of its influence on society.
Expressing gratitude for the substantial donation, Dr. Robertson stated, "We are sincerely grateful to Bible in the Schools for their incredible support and for making this impactful program accessible to our students. The Bible program enhances our curriculum by providing students with a unique educational experience, encouraging intellectual growth, and promoting cultural understanding. This generous contribution will allow us to further invest in opportunity by design for our students."
The $2.3 million gift from Bible in the Schools serves as a testament to the organization's ongoing dedication to enriching the educational experience of students in Hamilton County. The funds will support the continued success and expansion of the elective Bible program, ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to engage with biblical teachings in an academic and intellectually stimulating environment. Bible in the Schools recently announced the public phase of their $7M Endowment Campaign to further preserve Bible education in Hamilton County public schools.
About Bible in the Schools:
Established in 1922, Bible in the Schools is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting biblical literacy among students in Hamilton County. Bible classes follow guidelines established by a 1980 federal court ruling which affirmed that the teaching of for-credit elective Bible classes in Hamilton County's public middle and high schools is constitutionally permissible. The Bible course curricular framework aligns with the Tennessee Department of Education's state academic standards. The Hamilton County-based program also leads the nation with the largest concentration of public school students in any one school district studying the Bible. Bible in the Schools fully funds Bible education in 32 public schools. Over 5,700 students completed a Bible course in the 2022-2023 academic year in grades 6-12.
For more information about Bible in the Schools, visit bibleintheschools.com.
Source: Bible in the Schools