Foundation Awards $25,000 in Innovation Grants for K-8 Schools for 2020-2021 School Year 

MEDIA CONTACT
Julie Anderson Washburn, Lexington One Educational Foundation Executive Director 
PH: 803.821.1008 
Kathryn McPhail, Lexington District One Communications Director 
PH: 803.821.1155

September 29, 2020, LEXINGTON, S.C. — The Lexington One Educational Foundation recently awarded a total of $25,000 in Innovation Grants for K-8 Schools to six schools in Lexington County School District One. 

These six Innovation Grants, valued at up to $5,000 each, advance existing or future cutting-edge educational efforts at the elementary or middle school level. Each school also had to commit to a 10% match in order to apply. This Educational Foundation investment will positively affect more than 3,000 students in Lexington District One. 

Congratulations to the following Lexington District One schools for their 2020-2021 grant award: 

• Beechwood Middle School – $4,829 Innovation Grant Award – The “Exploration through Inquiry” project will allow students to explore and learn through 3D modeling, coding and design courses, and the creation of a BMS Inquiry Lab. 
• Meadow Glen Elementary School – $3,460 Innovation Grant Award – The “Innovative Coding with Ozobots” project will enable students to explore and learn through creating, coding, collaborating and problem-solving through STEM and computer Literacy. 
• Pleasant Hill Elementary School – $2,100 Innovation Grant Award – The “Powerful Play for ALL Students” project will allow their students the chance to create and direct their own learning through the continued development of an innovative, outdoor play space. 
• Pleasant Hill Middle School – $4,829 Innovation Grant Award – The ” Super STEM students ‘Robots meet 3D Printing’ ” project will allow STEM students to design, create and learn through VEX robotics and 3D printing, as well as learn about troubleshooting, research and development through coding, testing and evaluating the product. 
• Red Bank Elementary School – $4,952 Innovation Grant Award – The “Innovate to Create” project will support teacher training to enhance inquiry-based and project-based learning for their students, which incorporates coding and use of a 3D printer for student projects. 
• Rocky Creek Elementary School – $4,829 Innovation Grant Award – The “Virtual Reality Goggles Bring Learning to Life” project will give students an alternative learning tool as they explore parts of the world through virtual reality experiences while being safely located in a school classroom. 

Foundation Executive Director Julie Anderson Washburn stated, “The Lexington One Educational Foundation continues to encourage innovation in the classroom. Over the past six years, the Educational Foundation Board of Directors has approved 29 Innovation Grants for a total investment of $100,495 that has benefitted close to 18,000 students in Lexington District One. We are happy to support such amazing educational opportunities for our students. We also greatly appreciate individuals and businesses that invest in our district via their charitable gifts to the foundation.” 

About Lexington County School District One Educational Foundation 

Established in 1994 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Lexington One Educational Foundation is a source of growth and support for Lexington County School District One. Our mission is to support the district’s educational programs and enrich the quality of life in our community by raising and managing funds. Annually, the Foundation works to build partnerships with individuals and corporations in order to benefit our students, teachers, and schools. We plant seeds in our district that bloom into amazing educational opportunities for our students! To learn more about our mission and how to give, visit: www.lexington1.net/educationalfoundation. 

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