Central Community Education Foundation awards teachers nearly $46,000 in classroom grants

The Central Community Education Foundation, a fund held by the LincolnWay Community Foundation, awarded $45,937 in grants to local teachers for the 2020-21 school year. 

“When school resumes in the fall, students will find new opportunities in their classrooms thanks to grants from the Central Ed Foundation,” says Pat Henricksen, executive director of the LincolnWay Community Foundation. “Teachers requested funds for updated photography equipment, solar and fuel cell cars, a real-life budgeting simulation, and many other creative projects to enrich learning following the long break from classes.

The Central Ed Foundation has 18 component funds that award annual grants serving students of all ages. Since 1993, the Foundation has granted more than $665,000 to teachers in the Central DeWitt Community School District to enhance curriculum in all subjects. LincolnWay and the Central Ed Foundation are working with other communities, especially Northeast School District, to establish additional teacher grants for the future. 

Donors like Henry Pelham started funds with the Ed Foundation to enhance classroom learning opportunities. Pelham, who was born on a farm outside Clinton, served in the U.S. Navy, using math to solve real-world problems. He hoped his gift would enable local youth to follow their dreams toward careers in math and science. Although Henry has died, his fund will ensure a grant is made each year – forever – to do just that.

The generosity of Pelham and others is helping draw residents back to the community. “Alumni are coming back to teach,” says Henricksen. “That is such a nice tribute. It’s wonderful to see.”