Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation

Grps students and educators are at the heart of our mission. The grps Foundation is dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of scholars and ensuring equitable access to resources that foster success inside and outside the classroom. We fund essential programs in sports, arts, music, and experiential learning, as well as critical resources for students and teachers. Each year, we review our goals and make sure our fundraising is aligned with emerging educational needs.see complete details in schedule othe Foundation provided funding to support over 3,700 elementary and middle school students in free sports programming, covering essential costs such as uniforms, coaches, transportation, and event fees.in 2024, we launched a teacher mini-grant pilot, awarding $500 each to 35 teachers for classroom enhancements that foster hands-on learning. These grants funded unique educational tools like handheld microscopes, school garden supplies, birdfeeders with cameras, owl pellets, and after-school clubs.we also addressed student essentials through the teresa weatherall neal principal's fund, which provided 22 Schools with resources to support senior trips, caps and gowns, camp experiences, and proms.additionally, we collaborated with community partners to organize resource drives. Our formal dress shop enabled students to select attire for homecoming and prom, while a warmth drive provided over 500 items of assorted hats, mittens, coats, boots, and scarves to ensure students could comfortably play and explore outside.

These funds are a long-term pledge payment that supports the expansion of the museum school with support from that xq super school project.schedule o

Elementary and middle school sports for physical wellness and social-emotional health remain a vital focus of the Foundation's support for grps scholars. This program provides funding for after-school sports, ensuring that all students from kindergarten to 8th grade can participate at no cost. By promoting a healthy, active lifestyle, we help students develop a lifelong passion for physical activity and teamwork.our goal is to nurture well-rounded student-athletes by fostering an athletics program that not only builds athletic skills but also supports academic success and social-emotional growth. Participation in sports has been shown to improve school performance, reduce stress, and build self-esteem. These activities strengthen students' relationships with positive adult mentors, cultivate resilience, and instill the values of teamwork and perseverance. Through this program, the Foundation helps students thrive both on and off the field, laying a Foundation for holistic development and lifelong wellness.