Foundation, Consol announce education fund
Foundation and Consol
announce education fund
WAYNESBURG – Across Greene County, public school teachers are busy getting lesson plans ready and preparing their classrooms for students. Over the course of the school year, many of those teachers (and schools) will try to find the funds to purchase additional supplies and learning materials that will enhance the educational experience of their students.
Now, Greene County teachers and schools have a new opportunity to apply for grants to help with small education projects. In partnership with Consol Energy Inc., the Community Foundation of Greene County announces a new endowed fund – The Consol Energy Excellence In Education Fund.
The Consol Energy Excellence in Education Fund will provide small grants of $250 to $500 to teachers in Greene County public schools. The grants may be used to purchase supplies or equipment for special classroom activities that will directly enhance student learning and performance but may not be funded as part of the regular school or classroom budget.
“Consol Energy is proud to be able to help provide teachers with the funds necessary to help advance education in local communities. The grants provided will support and pilot educators’ innovative ideas that will ultimately enrich curriculum, including project-based learning initiatives and technology investments not covered by the school budget,” said Tommy Johnson vice president government and public relations for Consol Energy.
According to a recent survey by the National School Supply and Equipment Association public school teachers spent, on average, almost $500 out of pocket on their students last year, a 25 percent increase from 2010.
“With shrinking budgets, many schools have had to cut back on certain expenses in recent years,” said West Greene School District Superintendent Thelma Szarell. “But many teachers and administrators are continuing to look for ways to keep the learning experience fresh and exciting for our students. The Consol Energy Excellence in Education Fund will provide just that opportunity for a few teachers each year.”
“We are so pleased to work with Consol to establish this new fund,” said Bettie Stammerjohn, CFGC executive director. “Because Consol Energy chose to endow the Fund, this means that funding for the grants will continue to grow and be available year after year. This is one of the best ways to give back to a community and help ensure that future teachers and students will benefit from new educational activities.”
Guidelines for The Consol Energy Excellence in Education grants are available through the CFGC website (http://cfgcpa.org/guidelines.html). Teachers and school principals may also request a copy of the guidelines and application procedures by calling 724-627-2010 or email cfgcpa@gmail.com.
Applications for The Consol Energy Excellence in Education will be accepted throughout the year.