Supporting PreK – 12 Public Schools in Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

New “Stronger Schools” Grant Program Helps NCW Schools

The Community Foundation of NCW has awarded $50,979 to support 12 public schools in North Central Washington. The foundation’s “Stronger Schools” grant program provides up to $5,000 to enrich school experiences for students, provide seed funding for new and creative programs, and supports opportunities to achieve goals for PreK-12 public schools in Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

This is the first year of the “Stronger Schools” grant program at the foundation. Previously, public school requests were funded through the “Classrooms Can!” teacher grants program and the competitive “Regional Impact Grant” program, which is open to any nonprofit organization or public agency in the three counties served.

“Public education is so important in this region that we really wanted to dedicate a grant program to support schools with more intention and greater impact”, said Denise Sorom, director of community philanthropy at the foundation. “We held a town hall meeting with educators and administrators to discuss the details and developed this new program based on their feedback. We’re really happy with this first year of applicants and feel this program is poised to help many schools across our region in the years to come.”

The following schools received “Stronger Schools” grant awards:

• Bridgeport Elementary School – $5,000 to provide all students with leveled academic summer packets that give students the opportunity to continue working on basic grade-level skills during the summer.
• Cascade High School – $5,000 to support the implementation of AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program for 9^th and 10^th grade students to better prepare them for college readiness.
• Clovis Point Intermediate School – $5,000 for a small, middle-level library at Rock Island Elementary School for students to have access to quality books and continue their academic journey over summer break.
• Foothills Middle School – $5,000 to support a 6^th grade outdoor camp at Tall Timber Ranch that focuses on building self-confidence and positive relationships with emphasis on conservation and stewardship.
• John Newberry Elementary – $5,000 for “Dreambox”, an interactive and adaptive Math software program aligned with Common Core with an engaging, game-like platform that motivates students to learn key mathematic concepts.
• Lincoln Elementary – $5,000 to support implementation of PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) through a Student Leadership Club, a Positive Technology Interaction family event that promotes healthy internet safety, Recognition Awards for positive behavior, and Character Trait School Wide Assemblies that include special guest visits and performances.
• Mission View Elementary – $2,000 to support continuation of two physical activity programs BOKS (Build Our Kids’ Success) and Girls on the Run that provide fitness, nutrition, team building, and leadership skills for healthy body and mind growth of students.
• Okanogan Middle School – $1,800 for 6 FitDesks, an exercise bike combined with a desk, to be used in the 7^th and 8^th grade FOCUS classrooms where student are unable to attend regular Physical Education classes.
• Tonasket Elementary – $2,179 for specific books that address new Common Core Reading Standards in 2^nd grade classrooms.
• Tonasket Middle School – $5,000 to help complete the construction of an outdoor classroom in the school garden to enhance STEM and STEAM focused learning through hands-on activities.
• Wenatchee High School – $5,000 to support a College and Career Expo to connect students with post-secondary education and career opportunities and help them develop networking skills by engaging with future employers.
• WestSide High School – $5,000 to support the Leadership Club that helps to builds confidence and provides leadership skills opportunities through fundraising and other events focused on helping others.

The “Stronger Schools” grant is offered annually and opens each January with a deadline in March. The grant is also open to PTAs and education foundations that provide direct financial support to public schools.