By Chris Comer

Our children are our future. What a better way to make sure they have what they need than an Education Grants program?

In 2004 the Education Grants program was established through the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce and included one grant to elementary, middle, high and a special school. Four grants were given out the first year, and 56 grants were given out last year. The number has steadily increased through the years. Now, 13 years later and over 300 grants to our 13 Kernersville Schools, our kids are experiencing additional learning opportunities that will mold them into our future leaders. Each school receives at least one grant.

The grant process involves many moving parts. A committee works with the schools to provide the application and informational seminar. Each of the teachers are eligible to apply. Applications can be found online at www.KernersvilleNC.com, and are accepted through September 22. Each grant is read by the committee and then put through the selection process with our volunteers. A Surprise Patrol will visit each school to announce the winners by visiting those classrooms with a big check made out for $500 or less, the amount the teacher requested to complete the project.

There are many ways to get involved. Volunteering, Eating for Education, and donating monetarily.

Last year over $21,000 was given in grants to:

Elementary: Cash, Caleb’s Creek, Smith Farm, Kernersville, Piney Grove, Sedge Garden and Union Cross

Middle: East Forsyth, Kernersville and Southeast

High: East Forsyth and Glenn

Renewed for this year: North Carolina Leadership Academy (NCLA)

In 2009 Eating for Education was introduced. Always the second Wednesday in July, August, and September–there are two more opportunities to give back August 10 and September 14 as well as Shopping for Education at Talbot’s at Thruway on September 22 from 4-8 PM.

Eating out is a great way to spend time with family and give back to our schools through the Eating for Education program. Over 50% of the donations come from our participating restaurants. Coupons for the restaurants can be found on line at www.KernersvilleNC.com.

Shopping for Education began in 2014. Now in its third year, Talbots is the place to be on September 22 from 4 PM-8 PM. Shopping for Education works similarly to Eating for Education in that the shop gives up to 10% of their proceeds to the Education Grants program.

Education Grants can be for many different opportunities. In the past, the grants have been written for Natural Outdoor Classroom, Books for Bag of Books,

Kidsplay bells, Detective Kits, Music, Wall of Fame supplies, Reading Enhancement, headphones, Brain Pop, Ipad mini and case, Bouncy Bands, “Tale of Despereaux”,

“Swish” books and basketballs, School Garden, Play Center Enhancement,

Reading for English learners, Active Play Kit, Listening Center, “NoteKnacks” Music Manipulatives, Ipad Mini and software, AIMSweb Seat licenses, Ipad/Game System

Science/Literacy books, Pulse Oxymeters, Math Mysteries Series, Earthquake Shake Tables-supplies, IDEA(R) Erase Paint, Ipad mini game-based learning supplies, Flip Cameras, Exercise Balls, Microscopes, I Pledge Anti Bullying, Forensic Kits, Dissolved O2 Meter, DSLR Nikon Camera, and Musical Instruments. So many amazing classroom enhancements, and you can be part of it all!

Our community is great and supports all things good. This year is sure to be another successful grant year thanks to you!

Participating Restaurants:

Angela’s Ale House

Bistro B & Wine Bar

Captain Tom’s Seafood & Oyster Bar

Domino’s

East Coast Wings & Grill

Fitz on Main

Giada’s Trattoria

J. Peppers Southern Grille

Low Price Mart & The Grill

Mad Greek

OutWest Steakhouse & Saddle Room

Sagebrush Steakhouse

Sonic

Smitty’s Grille

Sixty Six Pizzeria Bar & Grill

The Loop Pizza Grill

Zaxby’s