Each year the Dowagiac Union Schools Foundation awards grants to various educational programs in the Dowagiac Union School District. This year is no exception.

In October, board members of the DUS Foundation met to review the grant requests. During this meeting a total of $11,303 was awarded. Programs range from an interactive science and laser demonstration for all Patrick Hamilton students to the funding of the Senior Citizen Luncheons that are held twice a year at Dowagiac Union High School.

Other programs include: 5-Star at DMS, Pedometers for healthy living at Sister Lakes, outdoor playground supplies at Justus Gage, a field trip to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum for Kincheloe fourth graders, a field trip to watch the South Bend Symphony Orchestra for all district fourth and fifth graders — and the list goes on.

The Dowagiac Union Schools Foundation gets a majority of its money through The Chieftain Golf Outing, a cooperative fundraiser with the DUS Athletic Boosters. The money raised during this event is split between each group and goes directly to helping students through both organizations. The Foundation will be accepting another round of grant applications second semester.