Photos show projects that were funded by AEF grants.

ALTON – The Alton Educational Foundation recently released their second grant opportunity this school year for the teachers and staff of the Alton School District. The Foundation provides grant funding to increase innovative programs and projects which directly benefit students, classrooms and schools. The new spring grant cycle, with applications due March 13, will once again seek new ideas and proposed projects from teachers and staff.

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Over the past 25 years, the Foundation has funded in excess of $250,000 in grant awards to Alton staff. The projects previously funded include areas such as: curriculum, instruction, technology, outdoor education, mentor programs, STEM/STEAM-based activities, vocational programs, student internships, literacy, post-graduation counseling support, early childhood literacy and many others.

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In the fall, the Foundation awarded ten different district projects and for the first time, will now offer a second opportunity with the release of the current spring grant application. In order to apply, Alton teachers and staff can simply access the online application that was sent directly to schools or by emailing info@altoned.org for a direct-access application link.

Dr. Kristie Baumgartner, Alton Educational Foundation Director, noted that donors allow the foundation board to continue making the grants available to staff. “We are so fortunate to have a high number of individual donors and company sponsors who share our commitment for supporting our schools. They are truly what allows the Foundation to provide our outstanding teachers and staff with the funding needed to launch the inventive and imaginative projects they want to implement with their students.” She added, “It is exciting to watch the grantawarded projects come to life each year and then see the successful student outcomes as a result.”

The Alton Educational Foundation was established in 2001 to provide direct support to the students, staff and schools within the Alton School District. In addition to their grant programs, the Foundation also provides student scholarships, administers the Alton High Student Internship Program, coordinates the local Dolly Parton Imagination Library, sponsors the expansion of course and career pathways, funds student recognition programs and much more. For more information about the Foundation, visit altoned.org.

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