When Eugene educator Lisa Reynolds applied for a classroom grant for the upcoming school year, she wrote something that should alarm every Eugene resident: “I would personally pay for it so students would have this opportunity because I see the difference it makes.”

In other words, if her grant application were denied, Lisa, part of the team at Howard Elementary School, was prepared to fund the program herself.

Lisa isn’t alone. Across the country, teachers spend an average of $500 of their own money each year to fill gaps in classroom resources. Right here in Eugene, our dedicated educators are reaching into their personal wallets to ensure students have meaningful learning experiences.

The grant Lisa applied for – the one she offered to cover out of her own pocket – was for her Unified Activities program that brings together students from general education and life skills classrooms to work together on cooking projects, and build relationships and skills across all abilities. For just $320, this inclusive program can happen and 70 students would directly benefit.

As our district navigates funding challenges, the gap between school needs and available resources continues to grow. The Eugene Education Foundation bridges this gap so teachers like Lisa don’t choose between personal budgets and student dreams.

Every grant we fund means another classroom gets necessary tools, another teacher focuses on teaching instead of fundraising and – most significantly – another group of students discovers something new.

Today’s students become tomorrow’s workforce, innovators and community leaders. And our students deserve consistent opportunities to learn, grow and thrive. They deserve a community investing in their potential.

Invest in our 4J students: EEFLane.org/Support.

Laura Brown
Eugene