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The Norwalk Education Foundation will continue to offer its popular programs to kids and teachers thanks to grants by local foundations. NEF recently received $60,000 to help fund three signature programs. The Perrin Family Foundation and Marion Moore Foundation each awarded NEF $20,000 for afterschool programs. JPMorgan Chase Foundation granted the foundation $20,000 to continue and expand TechSmart for Teachers, a professional development program that shows how to incorporate technology in the classroom.
Weve been able to retain funding because we understand the importance of showing results, says Lauren Rosato, NEFs executive director. We are continually evaluating our programs."
NEF expanded After the Bell, an elementary before and after-school program funded in part by the Perrin Family Foundation, into two additional elementary schools this year, Cranbury and Silvermine. The program is currently in four elementary schools and serves 300 children.
NEF also runs middle school after-school programs. In keeping with the Marion Moore Foundations mission, this year NEF included youth and parent representatives on the after-school program committees. Having youth voices in the decision-making was important to them, says Rosato.
Dennis McDermott of the JP Morgan Chase Foundation considers NEFs teacher training program a model program. NEF makes it easy for teachers to learn the latest in technology. This is an investment that has a big impact. Started 10 years ago, the TechSmart classes are taught by outside professionals as well as other teachers.
Have you or your children participated in NEF's programs? Did you benefit from them? Please enter your comment below.
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