Foundation 65 announces grants

Foundation 65 will provide more than $235,000 to support literacy and arts initiatives this school year in all the district’s schools in Evanston and Skokie.

Programs to be funded include Advancing Literacy for ALL, the Summer Reading Program and Kindergarten Literacy Education at Play.

Foundation 65 has supported Advancing Literacy for ALL since 2008. The program has given more than 100 teachers the opportunity to learn and implement an innovative instructional technique that supports students as they grapple with non-fiction text in science and social studies.

The program’s success has led to expansion from middle school to grades three to five. Foundation officials say thousands of students have benefited across all schools and the district is now positioned to ensure that the program will be sustained in the years to come, without external funding.

Another project, Building Digital Literacy: Summer Media Artists Studio, allows teachers and students to expand literacy into the digital world, exploring 3D design and 3D printing. The project was a collaboration between the D65 Media Arts Department, the Teen Loft at the EPL and the Meta Media Studio at the McGaw YMCA.

At Park School, through the project Art and Science: Park School’s Multi-sensory Garden, students will combine art with science concepts to create a multi-sensory garden and a permanent art display.

“Foundation 65 is a valued partner to our school district and their support has provided our students with amazing enrichment opportunities.” Superintendent Paul Goren said in a statement. “We are so grateful for this generous support.”

Foundation 65 is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that raises and grants funds for literacy and arts projects that expand, enrich, and complement educational opportunities for the students, staff, and community in Evanston-Skokie District 65.  Foundation 65 is an independent operating foundation with its own volunteer board and funds.  Since 2003, Foundation 65 has invested over $1,500,000 in more than 55 projects and programs.