Classroom Innovation Grants

Nearly $50,000 in grants awarded in 2014-15 school year

Annual grants luncheon recognizes innovation in public schools

luncheon sponsors

Support for school gardens, summer school literacy, microscopes that attach to iPads and the latest welding equipment were among 17 grants totaling nearly $31,000 honored Jan. 19, 2015 at the La Crosse Public Education Foundation (LPEF) Grants Award Luncheon, presented by Festival Foods.

grant sponsorsThe 17 grants recognized in January were chosen from among 28 applications totaling more than $90,000 in requests.

This school year, for the first time, LPEF awarded a second round of grants.

On March 30, LPEF announced 16 additional grants, totaling nearly $18,600. Included were grants supporting community field trips and projects to promote music appreciation and healthy living by students in the School District of La Crosse.

Grants are selected for funding based on creativity, ability to engage students and bring real-life experiences into the classroom.

“Each year, we’re amazed at the innovative proposals and other proven practices we know will engage our school children and enhance learning,” said Greg Bonney, LPEF Board President and an attorney at Johns, Flaherty & Collins. “It’s a tough challenge to narrow it down from so many worthy applications.”

For a complete listing and short description on grants approved in the first round, and recognized during the Grants Award Luncheon Jan. 19, see this story: $31,000 in grants support innovation in schools.

To see a list and read short descriptions of second-round grants announced March 30, see this story: 16 grants worth $18,600 awarded in second round to support classrooms.

In addition to the annual grants to classrooms, LPEF provides other support for La Crosse public schools, including nearly $22,000 to help students overcome roadblocks to achievement in areas such as nutrition, transportation and co-curricular support. The La Crosse Public Education Foundation’s mission is to enhance learning opportunities for students in the School District of La Crosse and to promote community understanding and support for public education.

See a list of grants awarded during the 2013-14 year.