Our Impact
Students Take the Stage with the Spokane Symphony
With support from The Hagan Foundation, the Spokane Symphony partnered with Spokane Public Schools to hold its first Side-by-Side Concert in March 2026.
Seventy-two students from five schools rehearsed and performed alongside professional musicians at the Fox Theater. The broader experience included sectional instruction, student choir performances, an instrument petting zoo and an exhibit of student artwork. Nearly 800 people attended the free community concert.
More than a performance, the project gave students firsthand experience with the discipline, collaboration and confidence required of professional musicians. The Symphony plans to build on the program by rotating participation among additional area school districts, helping more students access meaningful arts experiences regardless of their background or ability to afford private instruction.
Renewing the West Valley High School Library
When West Valley High School began its five-year library modernization plan, nearly 90 percent of the collection was considered outdated. A grant from The Hagan Foundation helped the school begin transforming the library into a current, welcoming and student-centered learning space.
The school removed more than 3,000 outdated titles and ordered over 400 new fiction, nonfiction and high-interest books. The average age of the collection improved by approximately 10 years, while circulation and daily student use began to increase.
The investment extends beyond books. The library is introducing makerspace activities, take-home creativity kits, staff development and new community programming. Future plans include family digital-literacy nights, college and career workshops, author visits and after-school academic support.
Through partnerships with the Spokane County Library District, Communities in Schools and Slingshot, the library is becoming a place where students can find current information, explore their interests and receive support beyond the school day.
Growing Fresh Food and Student Leadership Year-Round
With support from The Hagan Foundation, Dishman Hills High School introduced an indoor hydroponic farm that allows students to grow fresh produce throughout the year, including during Spokane’s winter months.
The system serves as a living laboratory for Environmental Science and Nature Studies courses. Students manage planting, monitor growing conditions, track harvests and solve the challenges that come with operating new technology. Through this hands-on experience, they are building skills in science, data analysis, project management, collaboration and leadership.
The project also addresses a direct community need. Produce harvested by students will be distributed through the school’s Bite2Go food pantry, adding fresh food to the resources available for students and families.
Looking ahead, the school hopes to keep the farm operating year-round and develop a companion class focused on shopping, cooking and food preservation. Students would use produce from the hydroponic farm alongside affordable grocery items to learn practical skills for preparing nutritious meals.
In the 2025-2026 giving year, The Hagan Foundation awarded $517,000 to 47 projects creating educational opportunities for young people throughout Eastern Washington.
