The Corvallis Public Schools Foundation announced today that it is granting over $190,000 to the Corvallis School District for summer programs and other critical support. This represents an increase of more than $100,000 from previous years.
“We are committed to doing everything we can to support students as they bounce back from a year of disruptions,” said CPSF Board Chair Ashlee Chavez. “Students have faced multiple challenges and we hope summer programs will help them move forward.”
In a continuation of a food security program launched in 2020, $12,000 is earmarked for produce boxes from Riverland Family Farms. Funds will pay for the purchase and delivery of 500 boxes of fresh, local produce to families’ doorsteps with the help of Dial-a-Bus.
Foundation money will also support an ongoing partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Corvallis by sponsoring scholarships and paying for transportation to and from the Club for students experiencing homelessness and poverty.
“Students in tough situations often suffer from isolation, stress, hunger, and other unmet needs during the summer,” said CPSF Executive Director Liv Gifford. “This year, we’re working with multiple community partners to tackle these issues head-on.”
Grants totaling $68,000 will fund programs for elementary school students. There will be sessions devoted to boosting math and literacy skills, as well as camps to encourage community engagement and social connections.
An additional $45,000 will support math, language arts, and social communications classes for middle school students, and $50,000 will fund multiple credit-recovery opportunities for high school students. Examples include Summer Field Ecology Camp for science-deficient students, and a Book Club for College Hill students who need a chance to re-engage with reading and writing.
“These grants represent months of planning and coordination with the Corvallis School District,” said Chavez. “We are thankful for the many donors and supporters who continue to be responsive to kids’ needs and make opportunities like these possible.”
Summer programs will accommodate over 1,000 students at multiple grade levels, including high school seniors fulfilling last-minute graduation requirements. Programs are accessible by teacher invitation and are free to all participants. Below is a full list of 2021 summer programs supported by the Foundation.
To read the full list of grants, click here.