Allison Struck from the Sioux Falls Public School Education Foundation spoke to the Sioux Valley Optimist Club about the foundation. They work with students and teachers to encourage and fund innovative solutions to enrich education in all Sioux Falls public schools. Different grants include:

1. First time, first year $200 teacher grants given to first time teachers to purchase supplies and equipment for their classroom.
2. Innovation in Education Grant.- Any teacher in the Sioux Falls School District can apply for up to $10,000 to purchase creative and inventive materials that are not financed by tax dollars. A committee reviews and scores each submission. Preference is given to grants that align with the curriculum, advance District goals, and enhance the classroom experience for all learners.
3. The Foundation also has an endowment managed by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation. Select donations to the Foundation are placed in a long-term investment pool, and each year, a portion of the fund’s earnings are used to support the grant programs.

Thank you Allison for informing the Sioux Valley Optimist Club about this great opportunity to invest in the Sioux Falls public schools and the future of our community’s children!