Home to a bevy of world-class universities and institutions, education is entwined with San Antonio's culture. And as it should be. As one of the nation's oldest cities, San Antonio's respect for history and its quest for knowledge have propelled it into one of the most culturally diverse places in America.

That love of learning extends to Alamo City's nonprofit and philanthropic communities, too. From Teach for America to homegrown charities, these local organizations are working hard to enhance San Antonio's educational communities.

Brighton Center
Mission: Brighton Center provides developmental and educational services to children of all abilities. With a holistic, family-centered approach, the center offers enrichment and development through an inclusive early childhood education program, as well as therapy services, counseling, case management, and special education support and services.
Get involved:Make an unrestricted contribution to directly impact the lives of children with disabilities and delays.
Big event: Best Night Ever

Daedalian Foundation
Mission: The philanthropic arm of the Order of Daedalians, the foundation's main purpose is to inspire young Americans to pursue careers as military aviators, via college scholarships, flying instruction, and other educational opportunities.
Get involved: Donate here to nurture the foundation for all awards, scholarships, and DFT flight programs.

Great Hearts Academies
Mission: Great Hearts Academies is a nonprofit network of public charter schools dedicated to improving education nationwide through classical preparatory K-12 academies. A Great Hearts education prepares students to be more than just proficient test takers but to become great-hearted leaders capable of success throughout their higher education and professional careers.
Get involved: Make a donation here.
Big event:Great Hearts Gala

National Math and Science Initiative
Mission: National Math and Science Initiative believes STEM education is the greatest lever to accessing opportunity and is unmatched in unlocking student potential. Thus, its mission is to advance STEM education to ensure all students, especially those furthest from opportunity, thrive and reach their highest potential as problem-solvers and lifelong learners who pursue their passions and tackle the world's toughest challenges.
Get involved: Make a donation here or learn how to become a program partner.

P16Plus Council of Greater Bexar County
Mission: Since its founding in 2009, P16Plus Council of Greater Bexar County has helped improve educational success for children, including kindergarten readiness, early grade reading, and high school completion. In 2018, the group expanded its mission to focus on all youth-serving institutions in Bexar County, not just educational ones, and now has a new mission to "ensure young people across Bexar County are ready for the future."
Membership: There are various ways to get involved with P16Plus Council of Greater Bexar County, from signing up for the newsletter for updates and information to joining one of the networks. For more information, go here.
Get involved: Make a donation here.

San Antonio AVANCE
Mission: AVANCE unlocks America's potential by strengthening families in at-risk communities through effective parent education and support programs. AVANCE has been building families and community in San Antonio for over 45 years and strongly believes that parents must be their child’s first and most important teacher. AVANCE's purpose is to develop strong and stable families, ensure healthy children, and promote economic self-sufficiency in families.
Get involved: Learn how to volunteer here.
Big event:Mother of the Year Luncheon

San Antonio Youth Literacy
Mission: San Antonio Youth Literacy promotes the literacy skills of San Antonio's at-risk youth.
Get involved: Learn how to volunteer here or make a donation here.

SA YES
Mission: SA YES is a local nonprofit founded in 1998 with the simple mission to support Title 1 elementary students and community groups in San Antonio through the educational outreach of free school supplies and classroom grants. SA YES has assisted more than 275,000 students since its inception and continues to be the largest distributor of school supplies in South Texas. In 2018, it will serve more than 27,000 elementary students.
Membership:SA YES Giving Society
Get involved: Contact Melody Mejia at Melody.Mejia@sayes.org or 210-298-8880 to learn how to get involved or make a donation.
Big event: Taste of Education Dinner and Golf Classic

Teach for America-San Antonio
Mission: Teach for America-San Antonio is working towards a better tomorrow for San Antonio. Over the past five years, TFA-SA has brought over 500 teachers to work in San Antonio’s inner city. In addition to the many teachers that remain in the classroom, TFA-SA alumni serve on school boards, manage local nonprofits, and lead schools as principals and administrators. In only a few short years, the TFA-SA network has become a force for transformation.
Membership: Sponsor a teacher here.
Get involved: Those interested in applying to be part of TFA-SA as teachers can learn more here.

Texas Can Academies
Mission: Texas Can Academies provides the highest quality education for all students, especially those who have struggled in a traditional high school setting, in order to ensure their economic independence.
Get involved: Donate here or volunteer here.
Big event: Countdown to Class Uniform Drive, an annual event that raises funds to benefit students at 14 campuses across Texas.