Our Mission The Kopelman Foundation provides financial support to qualified not-for-profit organizations for selective projects in the following three areas: Educational Programs Background: The nation's school systems are serving our children poorly. In 1999 statewide tests, most Philadelphia high school students scored in the lowest quartile; nearly 50% drop out before graduation. Nationwide, the literacy level of young adults 15-21 dropped more than 11 points from 1984 to 1992, while spending has increased by more than 50%. Our Belief: Today's educational system was designed to prepare workers for the Industrial Age and has remained remarkably unchanged throughout the 20th century. The lesson of the past two decades is that we can not spend our way out of our educational problems. Society must take an entrepreneurial approach towards reinventing education. Our Focus: The Kopelman Foundation makes grants to both formal and informal educational projects that focus on children (as opposed to adults or continuing education); disadvantaged or "at risk" children; ways in which the use of technology can improve teaching and learning; programs that emphasize problem solving, self-initiative, or entrepreneurship; and educational practices versus educational research. Healthcare and Medicine Background: Everyone has experienced the pain and suffering of a medical condition or a disease, if not firsthand then indirectly through friends or family. At such times we find ourselves asking: What can we do to help? What can we do to make life easier for the families of those affected? How can we make sure this never happens again? Our Focus: The scope of most medical problems and the magnitude of the financial resources necessary to have a real impact make it difficult to identify a targeted area in which the Foundation can make a significant difference. Towards this end, we have decided to focus grantmaking on medical conditions/diseases that have directly impacted the lives of our family and friends, including cancer, familial dysautonomia, and Crohn's & Colitis. Special attention will be given to projects that investigate new and innovative technologies, provide counseling and support for families affected by these diseases, and inform people better about these diseases and their prevention and care. Jewish Programs Background: Increasing religious diversity presents challenges to our society, and increasing assimilation of religions into society presents challenges to the religions. Studies show, however, that affiliation with faith-based organizations and commitment to early religious education have a tremendous impact in facilitating the development of a meaningful Jewish community. Our Focus: The Kopelman Foundation seeks to advance a deeper understanding of Judaism -- its traditions, values and history -- and help Jewish organizations make a positive contribution to contemporary public life. Grants may be awarded to further Jewish education or religious values in society or to support organizations that harness faith to address society problems including poverty and prejudice.