Sioux Falls Education Foundation expands grant programs, funds student supports

The Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation described expanded grant programs and ongoing supports for students and staff during a Spotlight podcast interview, including $250 classroom grants for new and returning teachers, grants up to $10,000 for curriculum projects and emergency aid for students in crisis.

The foundation’s executive director, Allison Lisonbee Strzok, said the organization has grown from volunteer-led grants into three steady focus areas—curriculum enhancements, talent and recognition, and student success—and has awarded thousands of dollars in direct support to teachers and students across the district.

The foundation’s curriculum-enhancement programs include a $250 ‘‘first-time teacher’’ award for all eligible new teachers, a $250 ‘‘replenish the room’’ grant for returning teachers, and the Public School Proud grants that allow teachers to apply for up to $10,000 for hands-on classroom projects. "We have surpassed the $1,000,000 mark in investments for our public school program grant program," Lisonbee Strzok said.

The foundation reported recent award totals and demand: it awarded 120 replenish-the-room grants in the first year and 152 the following year, and Lisonbee Strzok said "we had more than 400 teachers apply in…