Programs

Each fall and spring, teachers and administrators may apply for grants for innovative tools and experiences to incorporate into the classrooms that go beyond the District’s limited budget. By putting resources directly into the hands of teachers, they are able to go above and beyond their standard classroom curriculum. Since 2008, $308,000 has been awarded to impact students through innovative classroom additions.

Funds requests of administrators and teachers to support a project or activity when funding is not provided by the District’s budget and the request does not meet the timeframe for a Classroom Grant. Project Funding requests must align with the Foundation’s mission and applications may be submitted throughout the year, as needs arise.

Continuous, insightful and innovative professional development and growth is essential to the effectiveness of educators. In partnership with the District, the Foundation provides funds to enable teachers to attend national professional development conferences, workshops or institutes. Funds help educators cover the cost of registration, travel, lodging and the expense of hiring substitute teachers.

Each year, the Foundation teams up with the Bennington Lions Club to purchase dictionaries and vocabulary learning tools for every third grader in the District. This initiative sets the foundation for students to become good writers, active readers and creative thinkers.

Students who attend elementary summer school are awarded books for their attendance. The Foundation covers 50% of the book costs – approximately $8,000 of assistance – to impact approximately 250 K-5 students each summer.

High School students who wish to receive college credit for their AP classes must complete AP examinations, but the cost of each exam may be prohibitive for many students. To support BPS District’s effort to better prepare our students for post-secondary education and encourage more students to take the exams, the High School and the Foundation jointly reimburse families for the cost of each AP exam.

Administered annually to graduating seniors to gauge their future plans, school climate and preparedness for college. Results help the District recognize what is being done well along with opportunities to better prepare students for a successful future. The Foundation reimburses the District for a portion of the annual survey cost.

Designed to be student-led, TeamMates provides students with the support and encouragement needed to graduate and to pursue post-secondary education or career opportunities. It focuses on the strengths of our Mentees, encouraging them to become the best version of themselves. This program provides safe, school-based mentoring for any student grades 3-12 and currently serves 76 students in Bennington.

Research and evaluation studies confirm that children and youth who participate in afterschool programs can reap a host of benefits in interrelated areas—academic, social/emotional, prevention, and health and wellness. All Star Kids provides families with quality, reliable child care with the convenience of an in-school location at a competitive child care price during regular school days, non-school days and summer break. Approximately 420 students are currently served in the school year program and 228 students in the summer program.

The Foundation assembled the BPS Alumni Association as a way to help alumni stay connected and best serve our students beyond graduation. This program is completely free for alumni of all ages to join providing them with an online directory, networking and event opportunities, reunion planning assistance, and news on their alma mater and Bennington community.