RELEASE DATE: September 9, 2021 — As students and teachers gear up for a new school year, the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation has distributed $122,462 in grants to assist classrooms and programs across the district.
Among the 24 grants distributed, a $3,000 grant to C.M. Russell High will purchase a high-tech camera for video production students. The camera will allow students to produce public service announcements and documentary-style projects for the school or community groups.
The GFPS Foundation appreciates that teachers often have new ideas for their classrooms and schools, but sometimes those ideas need funds not available from tight school budgets. Discovery Grants–usually between $500 and $3,000 each–provide teachers the means to implement their ideas.
The combined high school swim teams received a $1,350 Discovery Grant to upgrade their concessions. The money will fund a new freezer, popcorn maker, commercial catering hot box countertop warmer, and concession supplies. The upgrades will bolster concession sales, providing more sustainable support for the swim teams.
Meanwhile, groups of teachers or schools also may apply for larger Innovation Grants–up to $10,000–for projects of greater impact. A $7,500 grant to Paris Gibson Education Center provides funding for a multifaceted program for Native American Cultural Enrichment. Thanks to a $6,360 grant at CMR science students will be able to do advanced analysis in chemistry courses using newly purchased spectrophotometers. At the elementary level, Giant Springs Elementary will conduct a school-wide thematic book study accompanied with various activities that promote kindness throughout the school year with the help of a $9,865 grant.
“Our teachers do an excellent job of thinking outside the box to create impactful experiences for students. The Foundation is proud to partner with private donors and teachers to make these projects a reality,” says Foundation Executive Director Stephanie Schnider.
Since the inception of Discovery Grants ten years ago and the later addition of Innovation Grants, the Foundation has distributed more than $1 million for 451 projects. This work is possible due to the generosity of donors and is also funded by the annual Win This Truck Raffle made possible by City Motors and the Oakland family.
Grant applications for the next school year 2022-2023 open Dec. 6. Click here to visit our website for more information and to see the full lists of teachers receiving Discovery and Innovation Grants for the 2021-2022 school year.