Teachers earn $11,177 in Education Foundation grants

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The Education Foundation of Hudson last week awarded Star Grants and Star Initiative Grants for innovative projects and curriculum training. The foundation awarded grants totaling $11,177 for five projects involving nearly 20 educators and administrators in most schools in the Hudson district.

Foundation President Doug Stohlberg presented the awards Thursday, Dec. 4, at Hudson Middle School. He told recipients that the foundation and community are proud of the educators’ efforts to bring innovative ideas to the classroom.

“You are the teachers who inspire excellence, and that is why you are here today,” Stohlberg said. “You are innovative, creative, encourage innovative projects and are not afraid to expand your horizons.”

The foundation is funded by private donations, mostly coming from local and area businesses, individuals and foundations.

Star Grants offer financial support for innovative classroom projects that would not typically be funded in the normal budgeting process. Star Initiative Grants are designed to further education of teachers in areas that would not be typically funded by schools. The organization also oversees Connections Grants (focused on volunteerism and service), Student Strength Grants (student initiated grants to help people) and Raider Pride Alumni Grants (geared to high school programs).

The foundation awards grants twice each year. Deadlines are Nov. 1 and April 1.

The foundation also selects winners of the Star Excellence Award, which is presented to educators each spring. Those individuals are nominated by the public, and nominations are also due April 1.

The foundation, founded in 1990, is a private organization established to strengthen community participation in local schools and inspire both teachers and students. With last week’s awards, the foundation has funded nearly $975,000 in projects and awards since its inception.

Star and Star Initiative Grants