WSVEF Celebrates Latest Grant Recipients, Looks Forward to Growing New Programs for Teachers and Students
WHITE SALMON, WASH., June 30, 2022 – As another school year has come to an end, the White Salmon Valley Education Foundation (WSVEF) is looking forward to the beginning of several new programs in White Salmon’s public schools next year.
The foundation recently awarded nearly $60,000 to fund new programs in the district during its annual spring grant cycle. For Executive Director Marla Keethler and the foundation’s board, this was both exciting and a relief. “This was the first time since the pandemic began that we have been able to allocate all of our designated funds to staff-led initiatives,” said Keethler, explaining that the stress and uncertainties created by COVID altered the traditional funding landscape. “Our community members and corporate sponsors remained incredibly generous, but there was a definite drop in the number of applicants. It feels great to be back on track and able to connect these contributions with projects that strengthen our schools, support our teachers and inspire our students.”
This year’s funded programs include student-centered science project materials, electronics and coding kits for beginners, tools to support sensory-friendly classrooms, as well as a kiln, potting wheels and other equipment for Columbia High’s new “Clayground.” Keethler notes that the largest grant awarded will bring Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) training and resources to educators in the district. “AVID is a schoolwide college and career readiness system designed to increase the number of students who enroll in higher education and help all students to succeed in their lives beyond high school,” she said. ”Bringing this program into our White Salmon schools is something Superintendent Dr. McGeeney is passionate about and we’re excited about the foundation being able to support this initiative.”
To read more about the 2022 Spring Grant Awards or learn more about WSVEF and how you can get involved, visit https://wsvef.org.
About the White Salmon Valley Education Foundation
The mission of the WSVEF is to enrich the education of PK – 12 students in the White Salmon Valley public schools. Over the past decade, the WSVEF has contributed over $4.6 million dollars to our schools through grant writing to outside funding sources and awarding grants directly from community-raised funds.