Springfield Educators at 15 Springfield Schools Surprised with Funded Grant Requests from SEF
Last week, Springfield Education Foundation proudly held its most heartwarming and impactful event of the year today: the SEF Annual Grant Giving Tour. With cheers, drums, and no shortage of joyful tears, a caravan of SEF supporters surprised 36 educators across 15 Springfield Public Schools with the exciting news that their innovative classroom grant requests had been funded, totaling $80,523.73 in direct support of student success.
From science programs and classroom libraries to outdoor learning spaces and musical instrument upgrades, these educator-led projects reflect the creative, engaging, and forward-thinking learning environments SEF is proud to champion.
“Today’s energy was electric,” said Ashley Mahlum, SEF Program Coordinator. “Teachers were caught totally off guard in the best way, and the students were so hyped to celebrate their teachers. It’s a full-circle moment that reminds us why we do what we do.”
This year’s tour kicked off and wrapped up at Thurston High School, accompanied by THS marching band members to amp up the celebratory spirit. SEF Staff, Board Members, and community friends joined the tour. Notable support comes from generous partners Sierra Pacific Industries & SELCO Community Credit Union, who help to support the Innovative Educator Grant program, and from donors of the Frank Sherman & Social Emotional Learning Funds, whose lasting endowments support those grant programs.
Big thanks to those who joined us from Northwest Community Credit Union, Umpqua Bank, Deployed Logix, Sanipac, and David Hersch State Farm, champions of Springfield’s educators. Thanks also to longstanding sponsor, LifeSlice Photography for capturing the exciting spirit of the day!
The Grant Giving Tour is only made possible by the incredible generosity shown at SEF’s Night of 11,000 Stars Gala & Auction, held every October. It’s this community’s willingness to give, sponsor, and show up for students and educators that fuels the Foundation’s ability to fund these bold ideas year after year.
Click below to see each grant recipient and learn about their projects.
Want to be part of the impact?
You can support SEF’s mission to empower student success in several powerful ways:
Every dollar makes a difference. Every helping hand changes a life. And every moment of celebration is proof that our community stands united behind our students!
