Staff Report
BUDA — The Hays CISD Education Foundation is announced the successful completion of its recent Grant Patrol, a significant initiative to support educational excellence and innovation across HCISD.
On Dec. 16-17, 2024, the Hays CISD Education Foundation distributed a record-breaking $104,526.66 in grants to 52 deserving educational projects, initiatives and professional development opportunities benefitting more than 12,000 students and 80 teachers at over 22 campuses and departments, stated a news release. Increasing the total award for the district by more than $17,000 from the previous grant cycle, this event marked a milestone in the foundation's ongoing efforts to empower educators and students and enhance the learning experience in the Hays CISD community.
After a thorough review process, the foundation board members voted to award a diverse array of projects, ranging from: expanding robotics, aviation, journalism and other STEAM programs to elementary grades; to supplementing a recent math grant awarded to HCISD by the state with a program that enables teachers to tailor individual student progress in math; to providing financial support for students to participate in school activities and programs; and to empowering more than100 teachers to hone their teaching skills through high-quality professional development trainings in the state and across the nation.
“Through the generosity of our community, the Education Foundation board was able to fund a large increase in grant awards,” said Micah Petrea, president of the Hays CISD Education Foundation. “We hope our teachers and students see this as a strong statement about the Education Foundation's commitment to making bigger and bolder investments in them. This is just the beginning.”
“I had shared with the Foundation members that, especially in light of uncertain state funding, our District will have a growing need for support from the Foundation. They heard my message and chose to respond with an unprecedented level of grant awards,” said Hays CISD Superintendent Dr. Wright. “Hays CISD is the place where teachers want to be right now and the Foundation's growing support will help us keep it that way.”
Learn more by visiting www.HaysEF.com.
