WILLIAMSBURG — The independent nonprofit WJCC Schools Foundation recently awarded $40,000 in Innovative Learning Grants to projects across the school division.
The Innovative Learning Grant Program supports creative Williamsburg-James City County (WJCC) School teachers to spur learning opportunities to enrich classroom experiences.
On Feb. 14, the foundation announced a total of 21 grants to 28 teachers were funded to spur student learning throughout the division.
“We give grants out every year. We give them on Valentine’s Day because it’s like spreading the love,” explained foundation Chair, Penny Pulley.
Established by the WJCC School Board as an independent nonprofit organization in 2015, the WJCC Schools Foundation has successfully developed new programs that impact almost every aspect of a student’s education.
The foundation mission is “based on the belief that educating our community’s children is everyone’s responsibility, the WJCC Schools Foundation was created to unite residents, businesses, and educational leaders to support a shared vision of educational excellence and achievement.”
James City County Berkeley District Supervisor Ruth Larson served on the WJCC School Board when the foundation started and strongly believes in the mission.
“Here is a way to support public schools and cool out-of-the box ideas the teachers have —so, having these hands-on learning opportunities that sometimes teachers can’t have because of (financial constraints),” stated Larson.
Grants help bridge new learning opportunities that teachers might not have been able to provide students due to budgeting.
“What is a different avenue for (teachers) to get out there and get recognized? This grant program is a great way for them to do this,” Larson said.
The Innovative Learning Grant has been awarded to all 17 schools at every grade level, from Pre-K through 12 since it launched. School employees are encouraged to apply for funds to support school programs or projects for as little as $50 and up to $4,000.
Grants may fund instructional and classroom materials, parent involvement programs, or any activity or material which supports higher levels of student academic achievement.
“The total (this year) was $40,850 — from a pollinator project which has to do with butterflies and bees honeybees to a writing center. This year one teacher, Cassandra Koch, got $10,000 for Berkeley Middle School,” explained Pulley, who said Koch will use the funds for programs in drones and robotics.
“We are grateful for the generous investments made by WJCC Schools Foundation to support creative learning projects within and beyond the classroom. Thanks to the ingenuity of our educators committed to fostering student growth and a love of learning, students will have even more opportunities to engage in enriching experiences,” said Daniel Keever, acting superintendent of WJCC Schools.
WJCC Schools Foundation is made possible through community donations and volunteers. Learn more about available opportunities, as well as how to apply for grants, on the foundation’s webpage.
