Cardigan Achieves Milestone for Gates Program Endowment

Cardigan Mountain School is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the Gates Frontiers Fund (GFF) challenge, marking the half-way point toward our ambitious goal of endowing 100% of the operating expenses of the Gates Program by 2030.

Launched in November 2021, the initiative sought to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Gates Program—one of the school’s cornerstone offerings—through strategic fundraising. The Gates philosophy permeates all facets of the Cardigan experience, both on and off campus. Required for sixth and seventh graders and elective for eighth and ninth graders, the Gates program is designed to be a continuous thread throughout a student’s journey. The curriculum adapts to the latest trends in emergent instruction, entrepreneurship, and technology, providing hands-on, immersive learning experiences that set the stage for self-discovery and the development of essential skills for the future.

“The Gates Program embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence that defines Cardigan,” says Head of School Chris Day P’12,’13. “Thanks to the generosity of our community, this program will continue to open doors and inspire future generations of Cardigan boys.”

Over the past three years, we have secured $5,000,000 in new commitments to the Gates Program endowment—$3.4 million this year alone. This milestone represents a remarkable achievement for the Cardigan community, underscoring the importance of the Gates Program to Cardigan’s mission. The leadership of Diane Wallach H’16 P’06 and the Gates Frontiers Fund, along with the generous support of trustees, alumni, parents, and friends, has been instrumental in reaching this point.

“The Gates Program embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence that defines Cardigan,” says Head of School Chris Day P’12,’13. “Thanks to the generosity of our community, this program will continue to open doors and inspire future generations of Cardigan boys.”

Director of Gates Jenny Sabados shares, “The success of the Gates Program is a testament to the immense skill and dedication of the Gates team and our community’s unwavering belief in the power of experiential learning. Our students amaze me with their curiosity, resilience, and ingenuity. This endowment milestone ensures that future generations have the same opportunities to grow and thrive.”

Under the leadership of Jenny Sabados and the Gates coaches, the Gates Program has grown to become a model of innovation in middle school education. This year, Gates students in grades eight and nine have participated in VEX Robotics competitions across New England—competing against older high school students—showcasing exceptional creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. These achievements reflect the program’s ability to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Reflecting on this milestone, Director of Gates Jenny Sabados shares, “The success of the Gates Program is a testament to the immense skill and dedication of the Gates team and our community’s unwavering belief in the power of experiential learning. Our students amaze me with their curiosity, resilience, and ingenuity. This endowment milestone ensures that future generations have the same opportunities to grow and thrive.”

While this moment is cause for celebration, it also serves as a powerful reminder of the work ahead. With continued support from the Cardigan community, the school remains committed to fully realizing the Gates Program endowment goal by 2030.

“This success is a testament to the vision and generosity of our supporters, as well as the incredible dedication of our faculty,” adds Mr. Day. “The future of the Gates Program—and the transformative experiences it offers—is brighter than ever.”

Cardigan extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this achievement. Together, the school is building a lasting legacy of opportunity, innovation, and excellence for future generations.