North Wasco County Education Foundation Announces Spring 2026 Classroom Mini-Grant Recipients

May 12

Written By Columbia Community Connection

From North Wasco County Education Foundation:

By Kelsey Alsheimer

The Dalles, Ore., May 12, 2026 — The North Wasco County Education Foundation (NWCEF) is proud to announce the recipients of its Spring 2026 Classroom Mini-Grant awards. Educators from across North Wasco County School District 21 were selected for funding this season, totaling $7,265, to support innovative, hands-on, and student-centered learning opportunities in local classrooms.

Spring 2026 Mini-Grant Awardees:

Theresa Schugt, Colonel Wright Elementary School – Chick Hatchery Learning Experience
Alisa Long, The Dalles Middle School – Interactive Breakout Box Learning Kits
Kathryn Brody, Colonel Wright Elementary School – I Saw a Number In… Art and Poetry Showcase
Sandy Brown, Colonel Wright Elementary School – Tea with Families: Mini-Museum
Jaclyn Kerr, Chenowith Elementary School – Sensory Support Tools for SLC Students
Lori Sam, The Dalles Middle School –TDMS Library Student Wellness Support
Samantha Tenneson, Dry Hollow Elementary School – Cardio Drumming for Student Wellness & Engagement
Abigail Birman, Colonel Wright Elementary School – Writing Tools for Student Success
Katelyn Hernandez, Dry Hollow Elementary School – Outdoor Learning Garden
George Braun, The Dalles Middle School – OMSI Mobile Planetarium Experience
Tonja Maya, Dry Hollow Elementary School – Cultural Cooking & STEM Exploration Lab
Susana Reyes Montes, Chenowith Elementary School – Exploring Our Solar System & Habitats
Taylor Cofer, The Dalles High School – From DNA to Protein: Exploring the Flow of Information
Janell Geary, Colonel Wright Elementary School – Supporting Student Theatre: The Phantom Tollbooth

Funded projects span a wide range of focus areas, including STEM education, literacy, sensory learning, outdoor education, performing arts, cultural enrichment, and experiential learning opportunities designed to engage students in meaningful and creative ways.

“It’s inspiring to see the creativity and dedication of educators across our district,” said Kelsey Alsheimer, Administrative Director of NWCEF. “These projects help create engaging, hands-on experiences for students while giving teachers the flexibility to bring innovative ideas directly into their classrooms.”

About the Classroom Mini-Grants Program

The North Wasco County Education Foundation’s Classroom Mini-Grants Program provides funding directly to educators and staff within North Wasco County School District 21 to support innovative classroom projects and enrichment opportunities that may not otherwise be possible through traditional school budgets.

The program is designed to encourage hands-on learning, creativity, community engagement, and student-centered educational experiences aligned with district priorities. Funding may support classroom materials, STEM projects, arts and music enrichment, outdoor learning, field experiences, guest speakers, sensory supports, and other experiential learning opportunities that directly benefit students.

NWCEF offers both Spring and Fall mini-grant funding cycles annually.

Supporting Education Through Community Investment

Funding for the Classroom Mini-Grants Program is made possible through generous support from local individual donors, businesses, and community partners who believe in strengthening educational opportunities for students in The Dalles.

In 2026, the program was significantly expanded through a major $75,000 contribution from Google, helping NWCEF continue to invest directly in classrooms, teachers, and student learning opportunities throughout the district.

“We are very thankful to Google for their continued investment in education here in The Dalles,” said Alsheimer. “Their support is helping educators supply additional resources to create engaging learning experiences for students.”

For more information about the North Wasco County Education Foundation, upcoming grant cycles, or ways to support local education initiatives, visit https://northwascoed.com/.