Thomas E. Phelps Entrepreneurial Fund
The Parkway Alumni Association’s Thomas E. Phelps Fund is part of a two-fold plan by the PAA and Parkway School District to educate and encourage students to make their product or service ideas a reality, and to learn the fundamentals of launching and maintaining a real business.
Thomas Phelps’ wife, Trent, established the fund in his memory. The fund provides​​ grants to high school students in the area of entrepreneurship to honor the love of entrepreneurship that Mr. Phelps enjoyed sharing in his role as a mentor to students who wanted to pursue their dreams of business ownership. Students whose applications are approved for a Phelps grant through the PAA's Granting Dreams program will be awarded up to $1,000 to bring their business idea to fruition. Parkway high school students get another opportunity to receive support of their entrepreneurial ambitions if they choose to compete for a spot in the district’s student business incubator program - Spark! This program piloted in Fall 2014. Students learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship through the development of an authentic start-up business or non-profit organization.
The Phelps Fund is one of several funds administered by the PAA, and is available for donations from anyone who wants to give students more opportunities to be entrepreneurs.
“Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment.” - Thomas Phelps
Spark! Pitch Contests
The Parkway Alumni Association is proud to support Spark!, Parkway’s innovative, real-world learning program for high school students. Through Spark!, students gain valuable career exposure and hands-on experiences that help prepare them for success beyond the classroom.
The Alumni Association plays an active role in connecting students with Parkway alumni who serve as judges, mentors, and guest speakers, providing insight, guidance, and encouragement along the way.
In addition, the Association sponsors an annual Student Pitch Competition, awarding a total of $1,000 to the top three winners as they present their business or project ideas. The Association also provides supplemental funding for Spark! when needed, thanks to generous donations from our alumni community.
Together, we’re helping students dream big, build skills, and make meaningful connections that last well beyond graduation.