Newsletter vol 1 2021
KCFF Helps bridge the learning gap
Nebraska Community Foundation’s Bridging the Learning Gap effort invested a total of nearly $1.2 million in 51 Greater Nebraska schools last year. KCFF took advantage of the opportunity to award $20,000 in grants to Ogallala Public Schools and Paxton Consolidated Schools. The money went toward Chromebooks, mental health resources, Logitech Crayon Pencils, and improved internet access for all students. The impact was immediate. “Ogallala Public School District has greatly appreciated the support from this grant,” said Teacher Heather Orth. “Our kindergarten students have received a huge benefit from the ability to have touch screen computers available to them. When I walk into a room where students are using them, rapt engagement and interaction with learning concepts is happening almost effortlessly as students touch the screen and the computer responds. This integration of technology is helping to meet student needs intuitively right before our eyes.”
Schilz Farms of Brule recently directed a $2,500 America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation, sponsored by Bayer Fund, to the Kathleen Lute Public Library. The newly completed library will use the funds for audio/ visual equipment in the conference room. “We appreciate the Schilz family for designating the library for this donation,” said Kendra Caskey, library director. “The new high definition computer-based TVs are Apple and Android compatible, and we’re really excited about all the programming opportunities this will open up for our patrons here in Keith County, from children to adults. We’ll be able to cast content directly from a smartphone or laptop on the Wi-Fi. So when we’re doing a class, for example, we can put up a YouTube video with directions on the big screens. We can use them for our children’s Friday movie afternoons. And humanities speakers or meeting hosts can use the screens for PowerPoints and videos.” Amy Schilz said, “Schilz Farms is happy to support the library and grateful to the Bayer Fund for providing us the opportunity.” The America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, sponsored by Bayer Fund, partners with farmers to provide grants to local nonprofits to help their communities. Through the program, farmers enroll for the chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a local eligible nonprofit organization of their choice. The America’s Farmers programs have given more than $57 million to rural America since 2010.