North Wasco County Education Foundation Announces Fall 2025 Classroom Mini-Grant Recipients
From North Wasco County Education Foundation:
By Kelsey Alsheimer
The Dalles, Ore., Nov. 5, 2025 — The North Wasco County Education Foundation (NWCEF) is proud to announce the recipients of its Fall 2025 Classroom Mini-Grant awards. Sixteen educators from across North Wasco County School District 21 were selected for funding this season, totaling $7,510.31, to bring creative, hands-on, and student-centered learning experiences to their classrooms.
Fall 2025 Mini-Grant Awardees:
Bryce Jenkinson, Chenowith Elementary School – Safe Routes with Bikes and Repair Genius Hour
Timothy Bartelt, The Dalles High School – Real Time Access: Bridging the Language Gap for New English Learners
Melissa Galland, The Dalles High School – TDHS Leadership Cricut Machines
Jeannine Rafferty, Dry Hollow Elementary School – Sensational Sensory Alphabet Activities
Kelly Smutz, The Dalles Middle School – Cuneiform Writing
Maria G. Bustos Ramos, Chenowith Elementary School – Morning Makers: Growing Minds & Community Through STEM
Fern Johnson, Mosier Community School – Hands-on Literacy
Laura Carrell, The Dalles Middle School – Improving Reading Outcomes through i-Ready Intervention Headsets
Ashlie Sorestad, Mosier Community School – Minds in Motion: Mosier Robotics
Sarah Grace Bendinger, Mosier Community School – SECRETS Program for 4/5 Students
Blanca Morales, Chenowith Elementary School – Montessori Hands-On Learning
Ann Zuehlke, The Dalles Middle School – R.E.A.D. Reading Enrichment and Development – Classroom Supplies
Lisa Albrecht & Sheree LaDouceur, Dry Hollow Elementary School – Third Grade Nest Quest: Our Big Year
Tonja Maya, Dry Hollow Elementary School – Deep Sea Discoveries at OMSI: Connecting Literacy and Science
Abigail Birman, Colonel Wright Elementary School – Classroom Social and Emotional Learning Books
Samantha Tenneson, Dry Hollow Elementary School – Cardio Drumming
Funded projects span a wide range of focus areas, from literacy and robotics to cultural enrichment and sensory learning, highlighting the creativity and dedication of local educators in engaging students through real-world and experiential approaches.
“It’s inspiring to see such a wide range of creative educational projects come to life through these grants,” said Kelsey Alsheimer, Administrative Director of NWCEF. “This year’s awards, from field trips to OMSI and hands-on STEM experiences to Montessori resources and specialized literacy tools, reflect how deeply our educators care about sparking curiosity, creativity, and connection in their classrooms.”
About the Classroom Mini-Grants Program
Since 2017, NWCEF has run a competitive small-grants program that provides supplemental funding to teachers and staff, helping them bring innovative projects to life beyond what is covered by standard school budgets. While district funds cover essential classroom supplies, these mini-grants enable teachers to access creative and timely materials, tools, and curriculum resources that inspire students and enrich the learning environment.
Over the past eight years, NWCEF has awarded nearly 100 classroom grants, supporting projects that foster student engagement. The program offers two funding rounds each year, in spring and fall, with small and large-tier grants available (ranging from classroom supply enhancements to more complex, project-based initiatives). Since 2020, the Foundation has distributed nearly $45,000 in classroom grants, empowering educators to pursue new ideas that directly benefit students.
The Growing Need
The Fall 2025 cycle demonstrated how strong the demand for this program has become, with more than $12,000 in requests received, significantly more than the available funding. The Foundation’s annual mini-grants budget is approximately $15,000, supported almost entirely by a grant from Google and by donations from local businesses and individuals who value the role of creativity and innovation in education.
“There are always more great ideas than we can fund,” Alsheimer noted. “Each contribution from our community helps us reach one more classroom and one more group of students.”
To support future classroom mini-grants and help NWCEF continue investing in educator-led innovation, visit https://northwascoed.com/donate.
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