Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Foundation awards six grants to SWFL schools

FORT MYERS, Fla. - May 15, 2019 - PRLog -- The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which concentrates its philanthropic efforts exclusively on education initiatives, has issued six grants totaling $1,908 to Lee County teachers to enhance classroom learning.

The grants will provide supplemental materials and supplies for classroom activities, including science, art, music and general instruction. A common theme in the grants is hands-on learning, which research studies pinpoint as a critical strategy to engage young learners and foster a love for a learning.

Teachers from Gladiolus Learning and Development Center, Orange River Elementary, Colonial Elementary and Villas Elementary in Fort Myers, as well as Trafalgar Middle in Cape Coral, received grants through the Foundation's latest distribution.

"The Foundation's grants will allow these teachers to enhance learning activities for their students with hands-on, impactful projects in a variety of disciplines," said Dan Adams, president of the Chamber Foundation's Board of Directors and chairman of the Grants Committee. "The Foundation's primary purpose is to assist the Chamber in its efforts to elevate education in this community, and by helping to fund these initiatives, it's our hope that more children will be inspired to further their studies in science, art, music, math and other subjects."

The Chamber Foundation focuses on education by providing college scholarships, grants for teachers, entrepreneurial education, internships and mentoring initiatives.

The six projects funded through the latest round of grants include:

Orange River Elementary

·         Project: Oh Me! Oh My! Is that a Butterfly?

·         Description: Hands-on birding and butterfly activities to learn about species that fly

·         Teacher: Sidonia Todd

·         Award: $399.89

Colonial Elementary

·         Project: Stemtastic Fairy Tales

·         Description: Hands-on, problem-solving STEM activities tied to children's books

·         Teacher: Tracy Gregory

·         Award: $247

Villas Elementary

·         Project: Designing Water Filters

·         Description: Enhance knowledge of water cycle and water pollution

·         Teacher: Tina Blythe

·         Award: $493.77

Gladiolus Learning and Development Center

·         Project: Exploring Music and Movement

·         Description: Music equipment and materials to enhance multi-sensory learning

·         Teacher: Darlene McConnell

·         Award: $246.93

Gladiolus Learning and Development Center

·         Project: Art in the Classroom

·         Description: Painting easel to develop artistic fundamentals, motor skills and creativity

·         Teacher: Omarya Beauchamp

·         Award: $249.75

Trafalgar Middle School

·         Project: Life Lessons

·         Description: Cleaning, cooking and art supplies to learn about managing life at home

·         Teacher: Kimberly Sass

·         Award: $269.98

About the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce:
Serving Lee County and surrounding areas since 1989, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a business organization of professionals who support and promote a progressive, sustainable community. The Chamber represents nearly 800 businesses, professionals and individuals throughout Lee County, providing opportunities for members to participate in a variety of meaningful networking, educational and community- and business-focused programs and events. The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is located at 2310 Edwards Drive in downtown Fort Myers. For additional information regarding membership opportunities or events please call 239-332-3624 or visit http://www.fortmyers.org. For the latest news and updates, follow the Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gfmcc or Twitter at @FtMyersChamber.