
The Foundation administers its own grants program for Lee County District public school teachers called Classroom Grants for Teachers. One teacher can request up to $500 or a group of teachers or a school can request up to $2,000 to purchase needed materials to carry out a learning project. Each project must enhance student learning. These projects offer students new ways of looking at usual subject areas and extend their knowledge through “hands-on” activities. Funded projects have included utilizing manipulatives to teach math, hiking in the Everglades, planting a butterfly garden and creating multi-media presentations. Without the Classroom Grants assistance, many of the teachers’ dream projects would never become realities.
In 2006-2007, The Foundation awarded $90,000 for over 180 projects.