NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence is celebrating its 20th year of supporting enrichment programs in the City School District of New Rochelle with several plans
These include a new grant program and a crowdfunding campaign to raise $20,000.
The grant program will supplement the work the Fund has carried out since its inception in 1998. It will allow teachers, principals and even parents and students to apply for grants to support programs. The Fund is open to a wide range of initiatives; programs seeking grants can include anything from performances to demonstrations to gardening. Awardees will be chosen by the Fund’s volunteer grant-making committee.
“We’ve been doing great work, but I really want there to be a more ground-up approach,” said Fund Executive Director Andrea Berman. “We’ll have more ideas from the community as to what their needs are. Priority is given to programs that promote active student learning and innovation and that help students find their voice and build self-confidence.”
The deadline for applications is Nov. 15.
The New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence works with the school district and community to develop, fund and implement high-quality educational and enrichment programs that enhance the students’ education and school experience.
For the fund drive, the organization is giving away reproductions of a new work of pop art by internationally renowned New Rochelle artist Charles Fazzino in exchange for donations. The work is a fleur-de-lis, a symbol of New Rochelle’s French origins.
This year also marks the 20th year of the Poetry Out Loud program that culminates in May with young poets in grades 3 through 6 presenting their works in a live reading.
“Poetry Out Loud is one of our signature programs, so we’ll be doing some extra special things with that, too,” Berman said.
Visit www.nredfund.org for more information about the grant-making program, crowdfunding campaign and ongoing programs throughout the year.