A 501(c)(3) non-profit · Chickasha, Oklahoma
Equip and Empower
Warriors.
The Pioneer Foundation supports the students of Pioneer School by giving teachers the means to meet a student's need — discreetly, without hesitation, the moment it arises.
- 2023
- Established
- 501(c)(3)
- Non-profit
- 5
- Areas of need
- 100%
- Teacher-directed
Every Warrior deserves to show up ready to learn.
A missing coat. An empty backpack. A field trip fee. Small gaps can keep a student from fully taking part in school — and teachers are the first to notice them.
The Pioneer Foundation exists so those teachers never have to hesitate. We put the means to help directly in their hands, so a need can be met the same day it's seen.
How it works
Three steps. No red tape.
Help should be as fast as noticing the need. The Foundation removes everything between a teacher seeing a gap and closing it.
- 01
A teacher sees a need
Full-time Pioneer teachers know their students best. When they identify a need in one of five categories, they don't have to ask permission or fill out a request.
- 02
The Foundation provides the means
Teachers receive a means of payment directly — a Foundation-managed card, online accounts, or a digital payment app — funded by the Foundation and renewed each school year.
- 03
The student is equipped, quietly
The need is met at the teacher's discretion, with dignity. The Foundation never asks for or collects any information about individual students.
What we cover
Five areas of need. One goal: full participation.
Teachers can use Foundation funds for any student need that falls into one of these categories — no request forms, no waiting.
Clothing
Coats, jackets, shirts, shoes — the essentials for every season.
Supplies
Backpacks, pencils, notebooks, and the tools to do the work.
Nutrition
Breakfast, lunch, and snacks, so no one has to learn hungry.
Special events
Class parties and special-event participation, so every student is included.
Field trips
Trip fees and costs, so no Warrior gets left behind.
“The Foundation trusts teachers to know their students' needs best.”
Our founding principle
How we operate
Discreet by design. Accountable by default.
A few commitments shape every decision the Foundation makes.
Teachers decide
Using Foundation funds for a student is entirely at the teacher's discretion. We trust teachers to know their students' needs best, and we want them to act without hesitation.
Privacy first
We never ask for or collect any information about individual students. For our records we ask only for the grade, the category of need, the amount, and a receipt.
Independent and privately funded
The Foundation is an independent entity funded by private individuals — former students and teachers — with a budget renewed at the start of each school year.
Registered and accountable
A registered Oklahoma nonprofit and federally recognized 501(c)(3) organization, accountable for every dollar spent on students.
For teachers
Teaching at Pioneer? We're here for your students.
If you're a full-time teacher at Pioneer School, the Foundation can provide you with a means of payment to cover student needs throughout the year. Reach out and we'll get you set up.
What we ask in return
For each purchase, we ask only for a receipt along with the student's grade and the category of need — nothing more.
Example record
- Grade
- 4th grade
- Category
- Supplies
- Amount
- $36.00
Plus a receipt. No student names, ever.
About
Rooted in Pioneer.
The Pioneer Foundation was established in 2023 by Corey and Jessica Mahan. Our family's connection to Pioneer runs deep — as students who walked its halls, as a substitute in its classrooms, and as teachers who still call it home.
We're grateful for the experiences Pioneer gave us, and for the students and teachers who make it such a great place to learn and grow. The Foundation is how we give back: by empowering the next generation of Warriors and equipping any in need.
The Foundation is an independent organization, managed by its Board of Directors and funded by private individuals who are former Pioneer students and teachers.
FAQ
Common questions.
Don't see yours? Send us a note — we're happy to help.
Who can use Foundation funds?
Full-time teachers at Pioneer School. A means of payment is provided directly to teachers, and using it for a student is entirely at the teacher's discretion.
Does the Foundation collect information about students?
No. We never ask for or collect any information about individual students. To maintain our nonprofit status we ask only for receipts, along with the student's grade and the category of need.
What kinds of needs are covered?
Five categories: clothing, school supplies, nutrition, party or special-event participation, and field trip participation.
How is the Foundation funded?
Privately, by individuals who are former Pioneer students and teachers. The budget is renewed at the start of each school year. We may explore fundraising opportunities in the future.
Is the Foundation part of Pioneer Public Schools?
No. The Foundation is an independent nonprofit that works alongside Pioneer's teachers and administration. It is not operated by the school district.
Can I donate or get involved?
The Foundation is currently privately funded, but if you'd like to support Pioneer students we'd love to hear from you. Send us a note and we'll be in touch.
Contact
Questions? We'd love to hear from you.
Whether you teach at Pioneer, went to school there, or simply want to learn more about what we do, we're always happy to talk.
We read every message.