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MORGANTOWN - There were the hands-on phonics materials that helped a whole class leap to an 89% reading level.
And another class studying the Vietnam War - which led to a field trip to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., during the same term.
Don't forget the one science class where the teacher brought additional dissection equipment to show the amazing properties of adaptation in the natural world.
How about that drone class that elevated the principles of STEM - science, technology, engineering and mathematics - like never before?
All of the above in classrooms across the region have been made possible by the educator "mini-grant" program through Your Community Foundation Inc.
The altruistic organization does its work across Monongalia, Preston, Marion, Harrison and Taylor counties - which, of course, YCF's executive director Patty Showers Ryan said - means teachers and classrooms.
And now the mini-grants are back, Ryan said. Educators have the opportunity to again apply for the offering up to $750.
That's a boon, she said, to teachers, counselors, librarians and nurses in need of extra money for those special projects or other materials and resources not covered through their school or district office.
Applications are due by Sept. 21. For all the particulars, call 304-296-3433, email info@ycfwv.org, or visit YCF's website at: http://www.ycfwv.org.
"We value our educators and our schools," Ryan told The Dominion Post previously. "This is one more thing we can do.”
The organization also has other grant opportunities:
YCF Community grants: The focus of this year's Community grants is on basic needs and addiction prevention. These grant opportunities are open to nonprofit organizations serving one or more counties in YCF's service area, which includes Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, and Taylor counties. Organizations providing support for housing, utilities, home repairs, transportation, and food delivery may apply for up to $10,000. Organizations engaging in addiction prevention initiatives may apply for up to $2,500.
STEM for Girls Fund: The STEM for Girls Fund promotes opportunities and activities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to help encourage girls to pursue STEM fields. The grant program, which targets girls in grades K-12, is available to the following types of organizations in Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, and Taylor counties: Traditional public schools, with preference to Title I schools, and nonprofit organizations, including public libraries. Awards of up to $4,000 will be made.
Stephen D. Tanner Children's Enrichment Fund: The Stephen D. Tanner Children's Enrichment Fund is devoted to providing grants to benefit underprivileged children in YCF's service area. The opportunity is open to all public elementary schools in Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, and Taylor counties, with preference given to Title I Schools. Applications will also be considered from nonprofit organizations offering children's enrichment programs in under-resourced communities within YCF's service area. Applicants are encouraged to pursue matching funds to maximize impact. Awards of up to $2,500 will be made.
Taylor County Charitable Interest Fund: The Taylor County Charitable Interest Fund accepts applications from qualified 501(c)(3) organizations or public institutions, including public schools, operating in Taylor County. Grants of approximately $500-$1,000 will be made.
Women's Giving Circle of North Central West Virginia: The Women's Giving Circle of North Central West Virginia, a component fund of YCF, accepts grant applications from qualified charitable organizations in Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, and Taylor counties, which address the needs of women and/or girls. Specifically, projects must include one or more of the following goals: Increase life skills of women and girls through education, economic empowerment, physical and mental health, and strategies for the prevention of violence and crime; encourage the healthy development of girls; and promote gender equity in our community. Awards of up to $5,000 will be made.