Education foundation lists programs funded by $72,000 in grant awards

The Simi Valley Education Foundation recently announced that more than $72,000 in 85 Enhancement Grants was awarded to 25 local public schools.

The foundation's mission is to enrich the quality of education in the Simi Valley public schools by providing financial support for programs that assist in achieving academic excellence. To this end, the foundation developed the Enhancement Grant Program.

These grants are made possible through donations made by community members, parents, businesses, and fundraising events.

In awarding grants, the foundation seeks innovative projects or programs which meet the following criteria: affect as many students as possible and benefit a diverse student group; involve students as much as possible; supplement and/or enhance the standard curriculum and ordinary teaching methods; support a program or project with measurable results; are creative and innovative and promote interclassroom, interdisciplinary and/or joint teacher projects.

This year the grants encompassed a variety of subject areas: Elementary Quiz Bowl for 10 schools, Second step Character Education, visual and performing arts programs, Take Home Literacy Programs, parent resource library, sensory integration equipment, reader's theater, writer's workshop, math and English learning centers, reading comprehension materials, Carousel of Ideas, instructional material for ELL and special needs students, reference books, art programs, language and science centers, physical science lab enhancements, and educational software.

For more information on the grant program, call (877) 7464543, visit www.svef.org, or email info@svef.org.