We are proud to highlight WISER (Weekend Islamic School Educational Resources) as one of our AMCF 2025 Women’s Giving Circle Nominees. WISER’s work represents a vital investment in the future of Muslim children and families in America, and we are honored to recognize their efforts through this year’s nomination process.
Across the United States, nearly 97% of Muslim students attend public schools. For most, the only formal exposure to Islamic education comes from their local weekend school. These programs, often run by dedicated but overstretched volunteers, carry the weighty responsibility of teaching children about Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and character development (tarbiyyah). Yet weekend schools have long struggled with limited resources, untrained administrators, and a generation of students showing declining engagement and knowledge of their faith.
It was in response to this urgent need that WISER was founded in 2020. A group of Muslim educators—representing K-12, weekend school, and college-level expertise—came together to address these challenges head-on. They recognized that the health of weekend schools is not a side issue but central to the future of the Muslim community in America. Without effective weekend schools, countless families would lose a vital avenue for nurturing the next generation’s faith, values, and connection to Islam.
Building Standards of Excellence
WISER’s founding vision was bold: to transform weekend Islamic education from ad hoc programming into a professional, high-quality system that inspires students and supports parents. Their first major initiative was the development of the Standards of Excellence, a framework designed to help schools evaluate and improve their operations, curricula, and teaching practices.
Recognizing the importance of national collaboration, WISER presented workshops in partnership with ISNA at two highly attended education forums. These gatherings allowed WISER to connect with weekend school leaders across the country, listen to their concerns, and refine its approach to meet diverse community needs.
A Certification Process for Continuous Growth
From these early steps emerged one of WISER’s most significant innovations: the WISER School Certification Process. This initiative provides weekend schools with a structured pathway toward continuous improvement. By engaging stakeholders—administrators, teachers, parents, and students—schools work toward meeting established benchmarks of excellence while also benefiting from networking and shared learning with peer institutions.
Already, three of the five pilot schools have begun the certification journey, and others are seeking WISER’s guidance on curriculum selection, administrative protocols, and the application of prophetic pedagogical practices. For many schools, WISER is the first structured support system they have ever encountered.
Powered by Volunteers, Driven by Mission
Despite these impressive strides, WISER operates with minimal resources. The organization is entirely volunteer-driven, with no full-time staff and only a small team maintaining its website. The board members—educators who already give much of their lives to teaching—pour countless additional hours into supporting schools nationwide.
Yet the demand is growing. Communities across the country are asking WISER for guidance, certification, and resources. To meet this need, WISER needs to expand its capacity and secure financial support. Without it, the potential to uplift thousands of Muslim children remains untapped.
Why WISER Matters
Weekend schools are often underestimated, but their impact is profound. They are the places where young Muslims build friendships rooted in faith, learn to recite Qur’an, and absorb the moral lessons of the Prophet (peace be upon him). For parents, they are a lifeline, offering structured support in nurturing children’s Islamic identity while navigating life in a predominantly non-Muslim society.
WISER envisions weekend schools that are not only functional but excellent—where teachers are trained, administrators follow best practices, and students leave inspired and confident in their faith. Their work represents a crucial investment in the resilience and flourishing of the Muslim ummah in America.
Learn More
As part of the AMCF Women’s Giving Circle, we celebrate organizations like WISER that are reimagining what is possible for our communities. Their dedication reminds us that strengthening institutions—like weekend schools—has ripple effects across families and generations.
To learn more about WISER, visit their platforms:
And to see all of our inspiring 2025 Women’s Giving Circle nominees, each working to make our community stronger and better for all, visit: 2025 Nominees