WAUKESHA EDUCATION FOUNDATION PROVIDES $40,000 IN GRANTS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT OF WAUKESHA EDUCATORS

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The Waukesha Education Foundation Board of Directors and volunteers spent Thursday, May 26 surprising educators with grants to fund innovative projects for the 2022/23 school year. 

Throughout the year, the Waukesha Education Foundation, Inc. (WEF) raises funds through community events to be awarded as annual grants. Each spring, teachers and staff throughout the School District of Waukesha may submit grant proposals to the foundation, requesting support for unique teaching opportunities or innovative programs that normally wouldn’t be funded by the school district. 

The WEF was able to award 26 grants, totaling $40,000, impacting 13 schools, the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium and the School District of Waukesha Environmental Education program. Foundation board members set out to deliver grant notifications with novelty checks, prizes, and good news and were greeted by staff and students alike with smiles and appreciation. 

“These grants allow for enhanced learning opportunities and experiences for the students within the School District of Waukesha. We are excited to support the innovation of these creative teachers and their projects,” said Dr. Gene Shoemaker, President of the Waukesha Education Foundation Board of Directors. 

Grants awarded this year included a variety of great projects: funding for new programs and Spanish language shows at the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium, real-world learning and business programming for East High School, support for theater, fine arts and music, programs that support the mental health & wellness of district students, an interactive literacy program, an Environmental Education program designed to get kids outdoors and more. 

“As usual, we had many wonderful proposals to review,” said Lynnette Kalmadge, Executive Director. “With over $76,000 in requests and $40,000 to award, the selection team had to make some difficult decisions. My goal remains the same: continue to seek business and community partnerships and funding so that someday, every eligible grant seeker will hear the word “Yes!” 

“This year is the MOST we’ve ever granted and we are proud of this growth, “ said Janaka Subotnik, WEF Board Member and Chair of the Grants & Allocations team. “We were able to fund 52% of the requests, which is another new record. It’s so much fun to watch these programs come to life and see the positive impact across the district.” 

You can learn more about the Foundation and opportunities to get involved by visiting their website at www.waukeshaeducationfoundation.org.

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