Upon visiting West Side Leadership Academy (formerly West Side High School) in June 2014, West Side Alumna Regina Pope-Ford witnessed a facility that was noticeably no longer in the pristine condition it had been in former years. After touring the building and speaking to some faculty, she saw that the school and especially the student body could use some assistance. Believing that this assistance could ideally originate via monetary funding through a foundation, she introduced the concept at the 1974 Class Reunion in August 2014. The response was very positive. In addition, the West Side principal and Gary superintendent of schools were also told of the plans. Everyone was in full support.

Formative meetings started in September 2014 and by November 3, 2014 the nonprofit charitable organization, West Side Alumni Foundation, Inc. was established. Eight individuals formed the core of the organization, Grace Adams-Square, Candice Bell, Ada Crosby-Wesson, Regina Pope-Ford, Charlotte Pye, Althea Rainge, Kathy Terry Kelly, and Donna Williams Fields. Together they formed the original Board of Directors.

Board of Directors

• Regina Pope-Ford
• Grace Adams-Square
• Kathy Terry Kelly
• Althea Rainge
• Candice Bell
• Charlotte Pye
• Ada Crosby Wesson
• Donna Williams Fields