Impact on Education grants $98,500 to fund innovative educational projects, activities and materials
In 2024, educators and students across the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) gained vital support through $98,500 in grant funding from the Impact on Education Academic Opportunity Fund.
These grants are designed to bridge educational gaps and foster innovative programs that enrich learning and promote equity. By addressing needs that standard school budgets often cannot meet, they demonstrate a district-wide commitment to preparing students for academic and future career success. In total, 105 grants were awarded to 37 schools, funding projects and initiatives, including:
- Noise-canceling headphones to reduce stress
- Math center materials
- Multicultural graphic novel memoirs
- Literacy support
- Field trip fees
- Academic support for newcomer students
- College Opportunity lab
- Enrichment materials for special education
- Gardening supplies
- Kitchen and cooking equipment
- Neuro-affirming tools for sensory regulation
- 3D printers
“Providing grants like these ensures our students have access to the tools and opportunities they need for a comprehensive education,” said Allison Billings, executive director of Impact on Education. “Our Academic Opportunity Fund is a valuable resource for teachers and schools with limited budgets who are determined to provide the best learning opportunities for their students.”
Boulder TEC construction tool belts
The Construction Trades program at Boulder TEC received $2,000 to purchase industry-standard tool belts, a vital yet often unattainable requirement for many students. Currently, no high-quality tool belts are available for use, creating inequities among students who cannot afford professional gear. This grant will supply 20 tool belts, benefiting 35-40 students and allowing them to train using equipment that meets workplace standards.
“Receiving the grant creates a completely different atmosphere in the classroom,” said Darrin Rasmussen, Construction Trades instructor at Boulder TEC. “It transformed from a traditional “shop” class to a professional training program. Students are proud to be in the environment and excited every day to be a part of a program that not only helps their futures but also contributes to our community.”
The program allows students to specify what trades skills are the most interesting to them and then explore them further. Students graduate from the program earning up to four industry certifications and the possibility of a career right out of high school.
STEM afterschool program at Escuela Bilingüe Pioneer
Escuela Bilingue Pioneer was granted $1,400 to support an afterschool STEM program aimed at third- to fifth-grade students. As a Title 1 school, Pioneer has identified a gap in STEM education, with many students lacking exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This program will bridge that gap by providing hands-on STEM experiences led by the University of Colorado’s Science Discovery Team over five weeks in the spring.
“Our school is a bilingual institution with many students who do not have access to STEM-related activities outside of school,” said Joanna Dresen, a parent at Escuela Bilingue Pioneer who is helping to coordinate the program. “Funding this program will significantly enhance equity by providing high-quality STEM education and addressing participation gaps for Latinx students and English Language Learners (ELLs).”
By offering the program in both English and Spanish, the initiative ensures inclusivity, allowing ELL students to participate fully. This exposure is crucial for igniting a passion for STEM and opening pathways to future careers.
A commitment to equity and excellence
Both programs highlight Impact on Education’s dedication to creating equitable and excellent learning environments. By funding initiatives that address financial and resource barriers, these grants help all students—especially those from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds—achieve academic and personal growth.
“These initiatives are a testament to our mission of supporting educators and fostering opportunities that inspire and prepare students for their futures,” said Billings.
Despite increasing funding from the previous year by 23%, Impact on Education received over $275,000 in requests and was unable to fund 75 proposals. Please consider donating to the Academic Opportunity Fund to ensure more programming can be supported in the 2025-26 school year.
BEFORE YOU GO
Impact on Education is an independent non-profit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.
Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?
