An educator from the Chula Vista Elementary School District , Melissa Hughes , said “ Receiving a grant from the Cal Coast Cares Foundation will positively impact students . Our makerspace teaches our 6th graders about the benefits of renewable energy , but now with this grant we can reach every student through after school events . The supplies this grant will provide will engage and inspire young children to be engineers in a green future .”
Several educators who have been awarded grants will be utilizing the funds to improve literacy and promote a love for reading . One teacher cited that the COVID-19 pandemic decelerated the progress that her students were making with reading and comprehension . She plans to apply her grant towards additional reading materials and classroom applications that encourage students to think critically about literature and build their phonemic awareness and fluency .
Cheryl Stark – Fallbrook High School , Educator Grant Recipient
Another educator who teaches at a local high school plans to collaborate with a group of teachers to organize spelling bees , a book creation project , poetry and essay writing , debates and art activities in both English and Spanish to help students improve their school , community and home connections . In addition , this project will tie in non-profit organizations within the community as leaders will be invited to speak and share with students on the importance of science , technology
Nichole Condon – La Mesa Arts Academy , Educator Grant Recipient and culture .
A middle school teacher who is excited to use grant funds to form a student science club will purchase equipment to build underwater robots . He shared that he is confident that the opportunity will promote teamwork , collaboration and leadership .
“ Our commitment to supporting education throughout the region is at the heart of our ‘ why ’ at the Cal Coast Cares Foundation . The cost of project supplies and classroom materials are a constant concern for educators , and we want to make sure we do our part to support this need . Because of this , we are constantly developing new ways to increase our giving each year ,” Cal Coast Cares Foundation Manager Nickie Behdin shared with GB Magazine .
Just last month , the Cal Coast Cares Foundation orchestrated a successful “ 12 Days of Giving ” social media and online fundraiser in partnership with Mastercard . Nearly $ 40,000 was raised to support the academic dreams of students pursuing higher education degrees and innovative classroom learning facilitated by teachers .
To stay informed about the work of the Cal Coast Cares Foundation or if you have questions on how you can provide support , contact Nickie Behdin .
www . calcoastcu . org / community / cal-coast-cares-foundation
FEBRUARY 2023 | GBSAN . COM 69