Foundation’s mini-grant program supports a wide spectrum of teaching initiatives

The Williamsville Education Foundation, Inc. awarded mini-grants totaling nearly $8,000 last year to enhance learning opportunities for students. Twenty projects addressing seven different curriculum areas were selected from a competitive pool of grant applications submitted by teachers across the district.

“The grant proposals demonstrate the creative and innovative work our teachers are doing to engage their students in learning,” said Foundation President, Jeffrey Katz. “We support worthwhile items or projects above and beyond what the school district can do within the constraints of its budget.”

Last year, the grant awards averaged just under $400 each. At the high school level, Foundation grants supported the foreign language program with the purchase of a class subscription for the French Scholastic Magazine at Williamsville North, and classroom headphones purchased for LOTE classes at Williamsville South.  The Williamsville East Science Olympiad Team received funds that enabled students to compete at the state level. Casey Middle, Heim Middle, Maple West Elementary and Country Parkway Elementary received grants for art supplies including clay modeling tool sets and Gelli printing plates. A Rubiks Cube Math Program and a farm-to-table herb garden were supported at Mill Middle School while innovative STEM projects received funding at Transit Middle including an Earthquake Simulator and Toothpick Disaster Lab kit. 

The Williamsville Education Foundation, Inc. is an independent, volunteer led, 501c3 non-profit organization that exists to help ensure Williamsville students continue to receive the highest level of education. Since 2001, the Foundation has donated over $80,000 through its annual mini-grant program to support student-focused projects that otherwise would go unfunded. To make a donation to our Mini-Grant program, see our web site here.

 

Transit Middle students learn about earthquakes using a ‘shake table’ purchased last year through a mini-grant from the Williamsville Education Foundation.