Education Foundation Awards Star Grants

The Education Foundation of Hudson recently awarded Star Grants for innovative classroom projects. The foundation awarded seven grants totaling $18,552 for projects involving educators at the Hudson School District, St. Patrick School, and Trinity Academy.

Foundation Board President John Kromer, and other board members, presented the awards during ceremonies at Hudson High School December 4. 

Kromer told recipients that the foundation and community are proud of the educators' efforts to bring innovative ideas to the classrooms of local schools. 

Grant included:

• Automotive Training Board submitted by teacher Nathaniel Berhausen from Hudson High School. The grant will be used by approximately 150 students in the Automotive and Transportation program. The equipment deals with diagnosing and understanding modern 12V DC electrical systems. The foundation awarded $4,000.
• Project Lead the Way Programmable Logic Boards submitted by teacher Dan Weiland from Hudson High School. The grant will be used by the Technology and Engineering Education Department. The grant will provide 20 new programmable logic devices to strengthen learning in automation, robotics, and control systems. The foundation awarded $2700.
• Special Education Art Kits submitted by Jodi Youngman from Hudson Prairie Elementary. The grant will provide grab-and-go art kids for special education students. The grant provides enough kits for several schools. The foundation awarded $1,433.
• Native American drumming and dancing group submitted by music teacher Lori Bahneman from Hudson Prairie Elementary. The grant will include the use of the Native American group while studying a wide assortment of various music styles, etc. The foundation awarded $2,500.
• STEM Learning that Lasts submitted by teacher Nicole Burlingame from St. Patrick School. The grant would expose kindergarten students to STEM and literacy equipment to set a good foundation for academic skills. The foundation awarded $2,219.
• School Counseling Intervention Curriculum submitted by Katie Fredrickson at Trinity Academy. The program will provide intervention materials and support services for students at the school. The foundation awarded $700.
• Library enhancement program submitted by Trinity Academy. The proposal involves updates and improvements including new desks, shelves, tables, chairs, and other items. The foundation awarded $5,000.

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

Star Grants offer financial support for projects that would not typically be funded in the normal budgeting process. 

The foundation, founded in 1990, is a private organization established to strengthen community participation in all local schools and inspire both teachers and students. With December's grants, the foundation has funded just over $2,190,000 in local education projects and awards since the organization's inception.

In addition to Kromer, current foundation board members are Lynn Krueger, Dr. Ron Bernth, Jodell Krause, Doug Stohlberg, Heidi Gilbert, and Scott Snyder. Steven Keller is the organization's volunteer executive director. 

Link to additional information about the Education Foundation.