The College Station ISD Education Foundation today awards an epic 70 teaching grants totaling $337,965 during its annual Grant Patrol. The number of grants and the amount awarded is a monumental achievement that surpasses last year’s total by nearly double.
This year’s grants fund innovative projects in the areas of agriculture, health science, fine arts, entrepreneurship, computer science, literacy, student clubs and exciting programs for students with special needs. The Foundation Board of Directors also approved funding for four significant projects at the district level to support math, reading, technology and mental health initiatives. Grants will benefit over 14,000 students and 2,000 teachers/staff at every campus in CSISD.
“The Innovative Grant Program has a goal to inspire and reward creative instructional approaches in the classroom that enhance the educational experience for students,” shared Nancy Berry, County Commissioner and Board President of the Education Foundation. “Grant Patrol is an exciting day to surprise teachers and support their creative teaching efforts.”
Grant Patrol is celebrated with Foundation directors, staff, donors, cheerleaders, mascots and drumlines that ride school buses to visit each campus in the district. Every teacher that receives a grant is surprised with a check and cheering presenters to mark the occasion.
“The Education Foundation has generously supported the district for over 22 years,” said CSISD Superintendent Mike Martindale. “Their financial partnership encourages our staff and supports our strategic improvement plan by empowering leading-edge initiatives in our schools.”
The CSISD Education Foundation has awarded 688 teacher grants totaling $1.98 million since its inception in 1999. Generous businesses and community members make these grants possible through annual donations and special events. This year’s Pillar Sponsors are Caldwell Country, St. Joseph Health and Van Stavern Small Animal Hospital. Founder Sponsors are Culpepper Realty, H-E-B, Rife Law Firm, Stylecraft and VLK Architects. The CSISD staff also has supported the Education Foundation by pledging over $160,000 through the employee giving campaign this year.
“We received a record number of grant applications from our teachers and staff,” said Education Foundation Director Teresa Benden. “We are humbled and grateful that our entire community has come together to support the education of local kids.”
The Education Foundation accepts grant applications annually in the fall from district teachers and staff for the development and implementation of innovative teaching programs within the classroom. Grants are awarded for programs which are not otherwise funded by tax dollars. Grants are selected by a committee comprised of board members and curriculum/instruction staff.
