Whether for a high-tech device or seed money for growing plants, the Dowagiac Union Schools Foundation again approved grants of over $5,000 to help supplement student education.

The majority of the Foundation funds are raised in partnership with the Dowagiac Athletic Boosters at the Chieftain Golf Outing, held each year in June. Contributions can also be made directly to the Foundation, as a gift, or through bequests or other such memorials. For more information on contributions to the Foundation, visit the District page of the Dowagiac Union Schools website and scroll to the DUS Foundation page.

In addition to a 3-D printer for the middle school and funding for the high school Greenhouse Club, grants were given for three field trips and several reading projects. The grants are typically awarded across all grade levels, and this year is no exception. Dowagiac elementary buildings, the middle school, and the high school were all recipients.

Teachers, principals, and other staff who work with students are invited and encouraged to apply for the funds. The Foundation meets twice yearly to review and approve grants. This past fall, the Foundation awarded over $11,000 to our local schools.

The next review will be in the fall of the 2015-16 school year.