Our History

The Spanish Education Fund began in February 2009 as the Alternative Funding Committee. The group explored alternative ways to fund the International Teaching Intern Program by looking into fundraising, sponsors and grants.

It eventually became important for this group to become an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Thus, the Spanish Education Fund (SEF) was born. Upon approval of the EHSI parent body, the group completed the necessary application paperwork for 501(c)(3) status and wrote articles of incorporation. EHSI parents then approved the articles of incorporation and elected a board of directors.

The Spanish Education Fund now runs as a separate, but parallel, group to the EHSI PTO. The SEF supports the International Teaching Intern Program and maintains the budget for that program. The SEF expanded the intern program the 2014-15 school year to include Central Middle School and Eden Prairie High School where interns are now an important component of the secondary Spanish immersion experience providing a unique educational resource to both teachers and students.

Board of Directors

  • Mary Krebs

    Chair

  • Apryl Erickson

    Vice-Chair

  • Brian Foote

    Treasurer

  • Meg Robinton

    Secretary

  • Jenn Purrington

    EHSI PTO President

Standing Committee Chairs

  • Karina Fernandez

    Intern Coordinator

  • Geoff Rojas

    SEF Host Family Coordinator

  • Shannon Rahkola

    SEF Buddy Family Coordinator

  • Abby Schmidt

    Marketing & Communication Coordinator

  • Laura Bjelogrlic

    Fundraising Coordinator

  • Christine Jensen

    Events/Transportation Co-Coordinator

  • Scott Kuhlman

    Events/Transportation Co-coordinator