What We Do

Funding Bright Futures

Working in partnership with the Bend-La Pine School district, the Foundation Board establishes funding priorities to address unfunded or underfunded needs in our schools. Programs are structured to grant awards to students, teachers, and schools to significantly impact and enrich students’ educational journeys. It requires community collaboration to ensure program outcomes are successful.

Our Programs

Classroom Grants provide invaluable resources for our local public schools. On an annual basis, the Foundation provides support to educators district-wide for high impact, academically proven innovative projects with solid implementation and evaluation plans. Funding priorities are:

  • To provide tools for teachers for STEM, art, music & wellness programs
  • To support high need Title 1 schools and those with a high number of students served under the Free & Reduced Meals program.
  • To enhance community and parental involvement in our schools

Activity Fee Scholarships have directly benefited approximately 8,000 local middle and high school students in need by providing financial aid for participation fees associated with sport/club activities. Studies show that investing in after-school programming yields a high return to society in reduced juvenile crime and at risk behaviors. Such programs also enhance student achievement with improved school attendance, betterment of test scores, higher graduation rates, increased likelihood to pursue college, and the development of positive peer/mentor relationships. Additionally, these activities foster healthy living and the opportunity to grow self esteem.

Perseverance Awards – provides recognition for graduating seniors who have persevered through difficult obstacles to graduate and have higher education or trade school plans.

Latino Scholarships – In partnership with the Oregon Community Foundation and the C.O. Latino Partnership Association, Latino graduating students receive a scholarship towards their higher education or accredited trade school plans.

Charlotte Van Valkenburg Memorial Robotics Fund – In honor of Charlotte Van Valkenburg, wife, mother, local community member and robotics coach/mentor, Brooks Resources Corporation and the Van Valkenburg Family have established a robotics memorial fund for high school robotics programs in Central Oregon and the tri-counties. Restrictions apply. For more details, contact our office.