Due to the generosity of our donors through our Annual Gift to Education Program, the Foundation has established grants for both educators and students. These grants provide experiences that enrich and enhance the education of Spencer Schools’ students.
Educator Grants: The Foundation has worked closely with Spencer educators to provide enriching experiences as well as classroom equipment and resources. Applications for the Gift to Education Grants are submitted to teacher committees at each educational level.
-----> Gift to Education Application (pdf)       Gift to Education (Word)
Student Grants: The Foundation also provides grants to students for educational opportunities. Applications for these grants are submitted to building principals and then to the Foundation Board of Directors.
------> Student Grant Application (pdf)        Student Grant Application (Word)

2010 -2011 Gift to Education Grants Awarded
This past year, the Foundation funded speakers, field trips, camp and forum scholarships, and equipment for our students.

• NASA International Space Settlement Design Competition – funded 15 students to attend in Houston, TX and 2 students to attend interna­tional competition
• All 8th grade students and staff were able to attend The Miracle Worker theatrical produc­tion at Iowa State University, culminating an interdisciplinary unit on courage.
• Scholarships to attend academic and leader­ship camps and forums for 8 middle school students and 3 high school students
• Iowa State University Insect Zoo – Provided funds for ISU entomologist to bring several live insects from around the world for hands-on learning for all Spencer 2nd grade students at Lakeside Lab
• Dave Thoreson, world explorer and photogra­pher, spoke to all middle school students about his sailing and scientific research trip around the Americas, focusing on global environmen­tal issues.
• Dale Fisher, University of Iowa Art Museum di­rector, brought African art to high school and middle school students.
• Yume Hidaka, Japanese Outreach Coordinator at the University of Iowa, brought a deeper un­derstanding of Japanese culture and literature to middle school and high school students
• Jamie Edberg from the Sioux Falls Zoo brought the Zoo Mobile with live animals and spoke to Spencer Middle School 8th grade students about career opportunities in zoology and vet­erinary science.
• Funded Iowa writers Dr. Bruce and Jeanette Hopkins’ writers workshop at Lakeside Lab for high school advanced literature and composi­tion classes.
• Provided funding to enhance and enrich the curriculum.
• Funded synesthetic equipment for special needs students in our district.