Verizon Foundation donates $20,000 to Education Foundation

The Sarasota Education Foundation received a $20,000 check for 2011-2012 classroom grants programs at a school board meeting Sept. 6.

The check marks an increase in donations from the Verizon Foundation to the Education Foundation.

“Verizon is honored to continue to partner with the Education Foundation to provide resources and tools for teachers be more effective in their classrooms which ensures their students are successful and are ready to compete in the 21st century global economy,” said Debby Kampert, director of external affairs for Verizon’s Southeast region, in a release.

The extra funds, amounting to a $12,500 increase, will be used to offer teachers the chance to apply for “Exploration Grants” of up to $1,500 and larger grants of up to $5,000. More information regarding these opportunities and more educational offerings for teachers are available at www.edexploresrq.com.

“The increase will also trigger matching funds, dollar for dollar, from The Patterson Foundation for every dollar above the amount you gave for classroom grants last year,” said Cindy Kaiser, Education Foundation executive director.

The remaining $7,500 of the donation will go to support “Edge of Excellence Classroom Grants,” which offers up to $500 grants that give teachers supplies to “develop educational enrichment projects and try new teaching techniques.”

Contact Eddie Kirsch at [email protected].