25 Sep 16th Round Professional Learning Grants Awarded
The District 51 Foundation is pleased to announce its 16th round of Professional Learning Grant Award Recipients. A total of more than $10,000 in grants will be awarded from the D51 Foundation to train 126 District 51 staff members. The foundation received grant requests totaling over $43,000. Since 2018, the D51 Foundation has donated over $170,000 to 590 D51 staff members for professional learning.
According to Jade Decker, past D51 Foundation grant recipient and teacher at Orchard Avenue Elementary School, “The value of Professional Learning Grants extends beyond just the learning and strategies that teachers gain. When we take part in high quality professional learning around topics we are passionate about, our excitement and motivation are renewed and we have the energy to keep showing up with our best for kids!” The grant was for a training called Teaching Stronger Brains.
Each year, the D51 Foundation uses proceeds from its White Iced Celebration and other fundraising efforts to fund specific needs in School District 51. This year, fundraising dollars will be used to invest in technology and innovation for students, provide professional learning for D51 staff, and support student and staff wellness. This year’s 14th White Iced Celebration will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the CMU Ballroom. Sponsorship opportunities can be found at www.d51foundation.org
“To be supported by the D51 Foundation leaves me with a great sense that the community that I love to serve wants to help in my professional development. It is a challenge to participate in the state level and national level professional community without this support. THANK YOU!” added Central High School Social Studies Teacher Scott Finholm who received grant funding in the 14th Round to attend the 2024 Annual Conference for the Colorado Council for Social Studies where he serves as President.
“The D51 Foundation knows the key role professional learning plays in growing our D51 students academically; it’s part of our mission. Our generous donors and supporters make this all possible,” said Angela Christensen, D51 Foundation Executive Director.
