Dreams for a Better World
The Big Cedar Education Foundation is a private foundation supported by the Stephan S. and Joyce M. Turnipseed family. We have been richly blessed, and we believe that God has called us to turn His blessing into praise through support for the education of children of all races, genders, faiths, ethnicity, and socio-economic circumstance. We do this by seed grants, access to resources such as activities and curriculum, connection to organizations providing such content, and direct outreach through our programs.
We are governed by a seven-member board of directors, including family members and professionals linked to the foundation mission.
History
Our Foundation was formed in November of 2013 as part of a dream for a better world by empowering children through learning. Stephan and Joyce Turnipseed have been lifelong advocates of learning and education. Coming from humble roots in the agrarian south, they traveled the world in their work and saw firsthand the power of education is lifting people, all people, out of poverty and challenged circumstances.
Joyce, a Master Naturalist, saw the opportunity to share the natural world with children and give them a connection to the heritage of the created order.
Stephan, an engineer, has worked the past 23 years in education and helped change the face of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education through the use of robotics as a learning tool.
Ian, their son, with a Ph.D. in Mass Communications and as a nationally recognized Speech and Debate coach, has personally transformed the lives of children through the art of communication.
Through these diverse skills and backgrounds, the Foundation became the next step in combining the disciplines of STEM, the environment, and communication into a meaningful learning experience for all children.
Partners
