The Columbia Education Foundation awarded teacher mini-grants at the May 2011 school board meeting. Twenty-one grants to twenty eight teachers will benefit the students of the Columbia elementary schools and high school. The grants this year will include: software games, digital video recorder, decodable books, iPods, 35 mm camera, video board games, math manipulatives, acoustic guitars, exercise balls, children’s literature, a centrifuge, audio books, books for classroom, libraries and activity tubs. The grants will total $12,000.

To date the Columbia Education Foundation has contributed over $66,000 to the student programs of the Columbia School District. Previously funded projects include: the DARE program, Apple iPod system, laptop student lending program, financial aid for taking college courses on line, football stadium dedication, “Biz Town” and field trips. The foundation raises its funds through tax credits, donations, planned giving and the annual golf tournament.