About Springboard

For 60 years, Springboard to Learning has provided arts-integrated education to over 30,000 pre-K, elementary, and middle school students and teachers each year. During the 2023-2024 school year, more than 750 programs, taught by knowledgeable teaching artists during over 100,000 contact hours, were available to 107 schools and community organizations throughout the St. Louis metro area, the eastern half of Missouri, and the Metro East area of Illinois. Springboard to Learning has a strong commitment to under-resourced children; 90% qualified for free or reduced meal programs.

Springboard to Learning believes that meaningful, memorable learning experiences transform a child’s worldview. It is this belief that fuels our mission to develop children’s abilities to think critically, create, collaborate, and communicate. Springboard to Learning envisions a future where all children are passionate, engaged learners who experience

About Helen Shopmaker

Helen S. Shopmaker had a long and distinguished history with Springboard to Learning. In the 1970s, the Danforth Foundation helped Springboard recruit organizational leadership, regularly holding luncheons and showing a promotional film. Helen was invited to one such luncheon, saw the film, and was sold. She eventually became the first President of the Board, at the coaxing of Springboard founder Elise "Leesy" Schweich.

A native St. Louisan and graduate of University City High School and the University of Illinois, Helen was passionate about bringing educational programs about the arts, sciences, humanities, and the cultures of other lands to St. Louis Public School students. Fluent in Spanish, Italian, German, and French, she taught English to immigrants through the International Institute. Helen and her husband Allen also created the Dr. Allen B. and Helen S. Shopmaker Endowed Professorship in Collaboration with Springboard to Learning at the University of Missouri - St. Louis.

Helen was a lifetime member of the Board of Directors as President Emerita, and continued to give of her time, talent, and treasure until her death in 2020. We dedicate this event to her legacy as an avid golfer and a passionate advocate for arts education in St. Louis.

*Please be advised that Springboard to Learning may have photographers and media on hand at this event. Photographic images and video taken during this event are property of Springboard and may be used for promotional purposes. By submitting your order to attend this event, you consent to allow Springboard to use any photos and video containing your image and/or the images of those you have registered to attend this event without impunity.

Helen S. Shopmaker Memorial Topgolf Tournament

Early Bird tickets on sale through February 16 @ 5:00 PM