Living Classrooms Foundation
$240,000 / 2011 / Education
Three-year funding for support of the Physical Education Initiative for Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School to address severe gaps in the physical education program. In collaboration with Playworks, the Living Classrooms’ Physical Education Initiative will offer at least one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day with a structured before-school, recess, and after-school program. Along with the oversight of a physical education teacher, Playworks will provide training to school staff, install sports and playground equipment, and initiate intramural soccer and lacrosse programs. The goal is to increase student achievement by engaging the students in physical education.
Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers
$120,000 / 2011 / Education
For continued funding of the Supporting Public Schools of Choice initiative. The purpose of the initiative is to provide the technical assistance needed to ensure increased student achievement.
Destination ImagiNation, Inc.
$12,000 / 2011 / Education
For the implementation of Destination ImagiNation, a literacy and book distribution program designed to develop creative and critical thinking skills at Baltimore City Head Start pilot sites. The 16-week program serves 500 children in select Head Start classrooms. The program, organized around a Head Start theme/unit, integrates specific read-aloud books and literacy activities each week. Half of the children are given books to keep at home, while the other half participate in classroom literacy activities without taking books home. An evaluation will be made to determine the effectiveness of different approaches.
Maryland Institute College of Art
$21,684 / 2011 / Education
Two grants to cover senior-year tuition, room and board, and related fees for a Baraka School graduate for the 2011-2012 college year.
Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers
$5,000 / 2011 / Education
For support of the Educational Funders Affinity Group.