Student Assistance Grants
In addition to Scholarships and Learning Improvement Grants, the Foundation also offers Student Assistance Grants to help students overcome obstacles to their success in school. Annual allocations are provided to every school in the district and to a district-at-large fund to be used for personal and school needs such as
- $30 Covers the cost of an ASB card for a student.
- $45 Buys a pair of shoes or a coat to keep out the cold.
- $50 Provides a backpack and school supplies needed to succeed in school.
- $60 Covers the athletic fee for a middle school student to participate in sports.
- $87 Covers the cost of an AP Exam for a high school student.
- $100 Provides athletic fee for a high school student to participate in sports.
- $125 covers football.
- $100 Rents an instrument for two months for a budding musician.
- $250 Helps ten children participate in music, drama, and experiences that broaden their horizons.
- $500 provides a Pantry for a school.
- $1,500 Provides a one-year Learning Improvement Grant to help increase student learning.
- $2,000 Provides a one-year student assistance grant to an elementary school to help many students.
- $3,000 Provides a one-year student assistance grant to a middle or high school to help many students.
School staff has responsibility for the distribution of the allocated funds.
Did You Know?
- In 2023, 6,386 students, out of an enrollment of 14,000 in North Thurston Public Schools, qualified for free or reduced-price lunch, for 44.9%, an indication of the poverty level.
- As of 2023, 924 school-age students in North Thurston Public Schools were homeless and 199 were Unaccompanied Homeless Youth.
- In the past 28 years, the North Thurston Education Foundation has given more than $1,200,000 to students and schools in the North Thurston Public Schools to help young people overcome obstacles to their education. Each year hundreds of students are supported through the Foundation’s programs.
- In 2023, the Foundation provided $351,000 in support to students in North Thurston Public Schools through our major programs, a new high in Foundation history.
- The Foundation helps students succeed in school by removing barriers.
– INSURE students in need have the basics: food, clothing, and other support so they can learn.
Annually providing Student Assistance Grants to every school in the district to be used for personal and school needs such as school supplies, fees, clothing, toiletries, and medical supplies. In the fall of 2008, McGimpsey Pantries were established in the secondary schools as part of the Student Assistance program. Now, every in-person school in North Thurston Public Schools has a McGimpsey Pantry that provides food to students suffering food shortages during the school day. The Foundation has helped over 22,000 students with their personal and school needs through grants, the Pantries, and special projects.
– INCREASE access to college and advanced training through scholarships for graduating seniors in need.
We annually provide scholarships for graduating seniors to continue their education or training in college or other institutions. In 2023, $195,500 was budgeted for scholarships and renewals for some scholarships.
– IMPROVE student learning opportunities by providing financial support for innovative classroom activities.
Annually awarding up to five Learning Improvement Grants through a competitive application process. Funds help teachers increase student learning. For example, the grants have provided special classroom reading materials and enrichment opportunities and enabled teachers to work with families and children who are English Language Learners.
– GUARANTEE leadership, resources, and strong support for students in North Thurston Public Schools.
Maintaining a robust and dedicated volunteer Board of Trustees that continues to work with the community and school district to help serve students and schools.
McGimpsey Pantries, a part of the Student Assistance Program, provides funds for food and toiletries to all 22 schools. The Pantries began in 2008.
Examples of previous use:
- A single mom of a middle school student couldn’t afford an eye exam, and he needed the exam for glasses. The school nurse found a discount for the exam, and NTEF then covered the glasses.
- Another middle school student whose family had previously qualified for state assistance now does not qualify and has no insurance. The student needed immunizations, and NTEF covered the cost of immunizations.
- Student assistance funds paid the instrument rental fees so a 5th-grade student could play in the school band.
- Student assistance funds are frequently used to purchase shoes for children whose families can’t afford them. Most of these children are wearing other people’s shoes that don’t fit and are worn out.
- The funds allowed many students to play school sports when they couldn’t afford to pay the participation fees and wouldn’t be able to participate without the assistance.