TUSTIN, Calif.– The Education Foundation for California Schools, a non-profit organization created by SchoolsFirst FCU and the Orange County Department of Education, has awarded 142 grants to teachers throughout the state to help fund programs designed to encourage students to learn and excel in the core subjects of language arts, science and mathematics, foreign language, and social studies.
The grants – awarded in $1,000 and $5,000 funding levels – total more than $340,000, the credit union said.
A total of 142 Foundation grants were distributed to teachers in 10 counties throughout Northern and Southern California, including Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Los Angeles, Orange, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino and San Diego.
“In partnership with the Orange County Department of Education, SchoolsFirst FCU founded the Education Foundation for California Schools as a way to support learning and enrichment initiatives,” said SchoolsFirst FCU CEO Bill Cheney. “Over the years, it’s wonderful to see how the Education Foundation has helped educators provide innovative and inspiring instruction, building a brighter future for students.”
Added Josh Smith, vice president, school and community relations at SchoolsFirst FCU, “We were inspired by the broad range of program ideas proposed by the teachers, all well-planned and detailed, demonstrating the dedication and commitment of teachers to their students.”
Every year, the Education Foundation for California Schools awards grants to California teachers from kindergarten to community college. Grants can be used for materials or equipment to support the development of new programs in core subjects. Since the program was launched in 2003, 878 teachers have received grants totaling nearly $2.2 million, directly impacting a countless number of California students.