About Us

Empowerment Through Choice

Learning First Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the continuity and sustainability of Learning First Charter Public School (LFCPS) in Worcester, MA. Governed by a board of volunteers, the Learning First Foundation (LFF) works to provide opportunities to the students of LFCPS regardless of their race, religion, income, gender, or financial status. By providing urban families with the power to choose where their children will learn, we empower not only the children but also the parents, who all too often are not given the privilege of choice.

STRATEGIC PLAN FY 2020-2023

Our Core Beliefs

  • We must provide quality education for all of our children today to ensure a strong community tomorrow
  • All families deserve a choice in their children’s education
  • Choice is empowering and potentially life-changing
  • Opportunities for quality, foundational education are often the only chance underprivileged children have to set out and stay on the right path

Our Mission

Providing a path to success for Worcester children through Education

Our Goals

To ensure the continuity and sustainability of Learning First Charter Public School, and to serve as an agent for public school reform through the development of partnerships supporting public school teachers, families, and community members

Our Objectives

  • Provide School Choice to underserved Worcester Families
  • Build student access to opportunities
  • Support teachers to improve instruction
  • Provide Students with a safe and effective learning environment
  • Build community relationships that benefit the students of LFCPS

Our Principal Activities

  • Community Outreach
  • Fundraising

Meet The Director

Rosie brings over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector with her work primarily around fund development, board governance and branch operations for YMCA’s throughout Massachusetts.

Ms. Fayard is passionate about fighting for those in need and committing to improving the Worcester community, where she has resided for several years.

Our Leading Sponsors

How We Make A Change

“In 6th grade while everyone was away at the Sargent Center, classes were quiet and empty so there was already that constant reminder that everyone else was gone and you couldn’t go. Yet, it was worse to see everyone talking about it when they got back. They were talking about the zip lines, good food, the hikes and activities. While I kept a smile, it made me feel left out.

School trips like these are extremely important and can really make a student’s year, but kids like me who can’t afford it will be left out. It is so important to find more funding so that kids like me will be included!”

Shirley P

SHCPS Class of 2018

Rosie Fayard joined the Learning First Foundation as Executive Director in July of 2017. She brings with her a MS in Management and Organizational Leadership from Springfield College and BA in Communications/Theatre Arts from Bridgewater State. The majority of her professional non-profit career has been working for YMCA’s throughout Massachusetts in a variety of roles ranging from branch operations to fund development and everything in between.

Most recently, Rosie held the position of Director of Development for the West Suburban YMCA in Newton where she relied on her relationship building skills and expertise to grow their annual fundraising efforts to nearly $500,000 (up from $300,000) during her nearly 3 years there. She has seen great success in engaging a wide variety of community members, staff, and stakeholders in fundraising in addition to more traditional appeals and grant writing. Furthermore, Rosie has extensive experience running special events (Golf Tournaments, Family Fun Days, etc). Most notably, the Annual Gala she developed in Newton has become their signature fundraising event and one of top galas in that community.

In addition, Rosie was elected chair of the Newton-Needham Chamber’s nonprofit committee where she worked with her peers to strengthen the standing of all nonprofits in the area. She has been recognized nationally as a Cause Driven Leader of the Month by the YMCA of the USA for her work within the Y movement.

Ms Fayard brings with her a passion to fight for those in need and a commitment to improving the Worcester community where she has resided for the past several years.