Lamar Educational Awards Foundation Grants More Than $200K to EducatorsÂ
Last week, 80 Lamar CISD teachers and staff were surprised with $205,327 in classroom innovation grants by the district’s foundation, the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (L.E.A.F.) during the “Grant Express.”
Every year, L.E.A.F. hosts the Grant Express where a team comprised of district administrators, community partners, and L.E.A.F. Board Members load buses and travel throughout the district to surprise teachers in their classrooms with giant checks.
This year, more than 300 different projects were submitted for consideration during the application process. The projects selected ranged from cultural immersion activities to science dissection stations. With the help of foundation partners and supporters, teachers will use these funds to transform learning for students.
“Our teachers work hard and often spend their own money to provide enriching experiences for our students,” Executive Director of L.E.A.F. Kameela Lewis said. “It’s an amazing feeling to reward our teachers – they deserve it all and more."
Sponsors and special guests of the 2023 L.E.A.F. Grant Express included representatives from Gulf Coast Educators Credit Union, Stantec, Rice & Gardner, Herff Jones, First Financial Group of America, Tarkett, and the George Foundation.
About Lamar Educational Awards Foundation
Established in 2000 to benefit the students of Lamar CISD, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is governed by a volunteer board of directors that includes local business, industry, and community leaders. The Foundation will provide funds beyond the normal operating budget for educational programs and activities for students and staff. Since its inception in 2000, and with the support of Lamar CISD staff, local foundations, community/business partners and parents, LEAF has raised more than $4.7 million to fund teacher grants and district-level programming such as Camp Connect, Girls on the Run, STEAM Camp, scholarships, Special Needs Prom, New Teacher Dinner, and Family Connect initiatives.
