Rock Island Milan Education Fund Executive Director Monta Ponsetto says the organization provided nearly $500,000 in funds to students and staff this year, including $177,000 in scholarships for the district's graduating seniors.
Ponsetto says the Promoting Rock Island Milan Education (PRIME) grants accumulated $255,415 from contributors this year and will go to 138 district educators for various needs.
These grant opportunities include a Lego club, library enhancements, calming spaces and other endeavors.
"It covers just about everything, and some of the ones that we had in the past that are really interesting might have to do with dissection; one had to do with nuclear power. There are also garden projects and art projects," Ponsetto said in a phone interview with WVIK Wednesday.
She mentions one educator is using the funds this year to teach financial literacy to junior high students.
The PRIME grants are split into three levels. Educators can ask for $1,500 for classroom projects. The amount increases to $3,000 for departments and entire schools. The last level can go up to $5,000 for district initiatives. This school year 122 new projects are funded with these grants.
PRIME donors range from businesses to organizations to residents, although Ponsetto says funds come from out-of-state, too.
"We have alumni that live all across the country. It's amazing to look at a map in our annual report that shows where donors in the education foundation live. I think we're in all but four states right now," Ponsetto said.
Ponsetto says any amount helps and she appreciates all who gave over the last decade.
"There is no better investment than in a child's education; we certainly believe that. It's an investment in the future," Ponsetto said.
