Juarez, Whitman Receive $25,000 Grants from Target

Juarez and Whitman elementary schools were awarded $25,000 grants as part of Target Stores’ “Give With Target” initiative.

The two schools were among 25 schools nationwide announced this week. Target plans on announcing 75 more grant winners by the end of August.

“My staff has been celebrating the good news since we got the official word,” said Juarez Principal Marceline Marques. “I don't know how to thank Target for this gift. It will really make a difference for our students.”

Area 4 Superintendent Marian Phelps recommended both schools apply for the grants. Juarez plans to use the grant money to pay for its Power Hour program teachers. These teachers collaborate with the classroom teachers to provide strategic and focused literacy support for one hour to small groups of students across all grade levels.

“This grant is invaluable to a small school like Whitman Elementary,” said Principal Pamela Thompson. “We have a limited budget and can't afford extra supplies and opportunities for our students.”

Whitman looks to use the grant to support its Science, Technology, Math and Engineering programs. Plans include technology support for its K-2 Deaf and Hard of Hearing and other special needs students, supplies to complement the science Foss kits, and maintaining its partnership with Ruben H. Fleet to give students access to science-related field trips.

“Give With Target” is a two-part giving campaign aimed at helping schools across the country prepare for the new school year. Target will provide $2.5 million in grants to 100 in-need schools, as well as up to $2.5 million in Target GiftCards to local schools that receive votes on Target’s Facebook page.

For every 25 votes a school receives through Target’s Facebook application on Facebook.com/Target, the company will donate a $25 Target GiftCard, with a maximum donation of $10,000 per school. Parents, students and teachers are encouraged to vote weekly from July 26 to Sept. 8.