The Links to Learning teacher grant program of Assistance League® Minneapolis/St. Paul has been awarded $15,000 from Giving WoMN. This grant recognizes the benefit of this unique program which funds teachers directly in the Minneapolis, Richfield, and St. Paul Public Schools.
Teachers have many creative ideas to provide their students with exceptional experiences but are often limited by budgets. The Assistance League’s teacher grant program enables teachers to make these ideas a reality. Grants of up to $750 are awarded to teachers to purchase special program materials, invite guest educators, or offer new cultural learning experiences. Assistance League members review applications and select award recipients.
During 2019-2020 school year, Assistance League funded 135 Links to Learning teacher grants totaling $88,000. These grants benefited over 20,000 students in 60 different schools. “Teachers are always looking for creative ways to engage students in learning. This grant provides them the opportunity to introduce students to areas of interest they might not otherwise experience,” said Mary Dries, President – Assistance League Minneapolis/St. Paul. A sampling of activities funded include a community bike club; a worm farm; biofeedback self-awareness activities; life skills via skateboard art; coding and robotics; spoken word poetry; and a civil rights heritage trip.
This spring some teachers repurposed their grants in creative ways to meet unforeseen needs due to closed schools such as a media teacher who purchased digital and audio books to help her students stay connected to books during the pandemic.
About Assistance League®
Assistance League is a nonprofit organization of volunteers committed to meeting the basic needs of those in our community through programs developed and administered by its members. It is a 501(c)(3) philanthropic organization. The money for its programs is generated from the Assistance League Thrift Shop and from grants and donations. Each year over 180 members work to fund and serve community programs. The Minneapolis/St. Paul chapter is one of 120 Assistance League chapters nationwide.
About Giving WoMN
Giving WoMN is a member driven, pooled fund, grant-making organization which has donated over $1.5 million since 2006. Its primary goals are to educate women about philanthropy and, through collective giving, make impact grants in its community to meet pressing unmet needs. Giving WoMN makes grants in the areas of education, health, and human services.