Bernard and Kathlyn Mann were tireless advocates for education equity in the Madison public schools. 

As loving parents, "Bernie and Kathy" deeply valued education and were relentless in their conviction that all students deserve an education that prepares them to fulfill their goals and achieve a life of purpose. When this couple passed away in the late 80's, family, close friends, and the community joined forces to create the Mann Educational Opportunity Fund, which focuses on addressing Black student graduation rate disparities in Madison's public schools through mentoring support and educational tools. The Mann Scholar program boasts a 100% high school graduation rate over 25 years of programming.