Stern Center for Language and Learning Establishes the Blanche Podhajski Institute for Learner Success with $3 Million Endowment
[Williston, Vermont, Monday, September 21, 2026] The Stern Center for Language and Learning (Stern Center) is establishing the Blanche Podhajski Institute for Learner Success, honoring the organization’s founder and President Emerita. The Institute, part of the Stern Center, is made possible by a transformational gift from Dr. Podhajski that generously supports learner success in keeping with her founding vision. To honor her generosity and the proud legacy of Bernice and Milton Stern as founding donors, Dr. Peter and Margie Stern will match this remarkable gift. Together, the philanthropists are establishing a $3 million endowment beginning in late 2028.
Through the Institute, learner success will expand and strengthen at the Stern Center. Endowment proceeds are designated to reduce costs for vital specialized learning services for financially qualifying families. Funds will also ensure ongoing innovation in programs for learners, and support pilot initiatives that demonstrate and nurture educational excellence, with special emphasis on the first service the Stern Center offered when Dr. Podhajski began her storied career: life-changing learner evaluations.
“Today, the learners we serve and their families, schools, and communities, are once again stronger because of Blanche and the Stern family–the path they opened then, and their generosity now. These gifts show us the way to a future where success with learning is affordable for all families. I’m deeply grateful,” said Dr. Laurie Quinn, Stern Center President.
Dr. Blanche Podhajski (pronounced Pah-DYE-skee) founded the Stern Center in 1983 with a $50,000 grant from the Bernice and Milton Stern Foundation. Over 38 years at the helm of the organization, she built it into a nationally recognized resource for learning evaluation, academic instruction, and educator excellence, reaching learners and teachers across Vermont and well beyond our borders. Podhajski earned her Ph.D. from Northwestern University in communication disorders, specializing in learning disabilities, and served as Clinical Associate Professor of Neurological Sciences at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. She is co-author of the Sounds Abound Program, lead author of the Comprehensive Reading Course for Educators, and developer of Building Blocks for Literacy®, a program for early childhood educators and parents. In 2015 she received the Turrell Fund’s Champion for Children Medal of Honor. Podhajski retired in 2021 after a 50-year career in education.
“Forty-four years ago, I founded the Stern Center based in science and fortified by hope. My vision was to honor learning differences and improve lives. This endowment gift is to extend that intersection of science and hope to future generations of learners and to support the Stern Center’s continuing preeminence as a nonprofit organization dedicated to learning for all,” said Podhajski.
“This matching gift to endow the Blanche Podhajski Institute for Learner Success was inspired by our commitment to the next generation, our respect and affection for Blanche, and our confidence in the Stern Center’s bright future as an indispensable nonprofit leader in Vermont and beyond,” said Peter Stern.
Peter and Margie Stern have been pillars of the Stern Center since Blanche Podhajski first partnered with Peter’s parents, Milton and Bernice Stern, to launch the organization in 1983. Both have served as Board Chairs — Peter as the Center’s founding Chair — and for more than 40 years have championed its growth and mission.
Prior to today’s announcement, the Stern Center celebrated the endowment at a reception on Friday, September 18th. A second event will be planned for spring 2027 to coincide with a ribbon cutting.
The Stern Center for Language and Learning is an education-focused nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding the power of learning. Located in Williston, Vermont and founded in 1983, the Stern Center’s team provides learning evaluations, one-on-one customized instruction, speech therapy, and professional learning for educators.
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HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOS:
Blanche Podhajski, Ph.D., Stern Center Founder and President Emerita
