Lift For Life Academy Foundation has established a new endowment fund: The Mary Ann Millstone, LaVerne Branson Opportunity Fund.
The permanent fund will provide vital financial aid to current students, alumni, and educational staff of Lift For Life Academy as they pursue college degrees, technical training in trades and construction, or teaching certifications.
Created through the generosity of longtime supporters Thom Kuhn and Dianne O’Connell, the Fund is named in honor of their mothers, Mary Ann Millstone and LaVerne Branson, whose legacies of strength and perseverance continue to inspire. The goal of establishing this fund is to create a lasting, multigenerational impact on our community.
This seven-figure investment is not just a milestone—it’s a call to action. We need continued support and additional resources to ensure young people across our region have the opportunities they deserve to grow, thrive, and lead.
“This fund reflects a deep belief in the potential of our students and the importance of empowering our educators,” said Marshall Cohen, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Lift For Life Academy.
“It will help unlock opportunities for those who need it most, year after year.” Lift For Life Academy, founded in 2000, is a leading K–12 charter school in St. Louis serving 840 students, many of which are minorities from underserved communities in the city.
The Academy is dedicated to delivering rigorous academics within a supportive, nurturing environment that equips students for success in college, careers, and life. For more information, visit www.liftforlifeacademy.org.