Kumeyaay Elementary gets grant from Jimmie Johnson Foundation, Lowe's Toolbox for Education

NASCAR champ Jimmie Johnson's foundation has awarded Kumeyaay Elementary School in Tierrasanta a $45,799 to create an outdoor science classroom that will include a native plant habitat and a weather station.

The 2013 Jimmie Johnson Foundation/Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Champions Grants were awarded to schools in Chandra and Jimmie Johnson’s respective hometowns of Muskogee, Okla., El Cajon, Calif., and where they currently reside in Charlotte, N.C., and totaled $470,000.

The funded projects for 2013 range from resurfacing and rubberizing a track to outdoor learning centers. Several schools also received technology grants to purchase new computers.

"It builds a better tomorrow,” said Daniel Wheeler, a sixth-grade student from KIPP Charlotte, a 2012 grant recipient. “It means a lot because Mr. Johnson chose [to help] this school and not only has it taken an effect on our grades, but it has taken an effect on our hearts, too."

“When you hear from students like Daniel you realize how much the kids we support really appreciate the opportunity to learn,” said Johnson, who is currently atop the standings in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship.

“The fact that the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and the Lowe’s Toolbox for Education program can come together to impact the learning experience for these kids is very gratifying.”
More than $3.1 million has been contributed over the past four years through the Champions Grant program.

“Lowe’s is honored to continue to partner with Jimmie and Chandra Johnson to support the needs of local students and schools across the country,” said Joan Higginbotham, Lowe’s director of community relations. “These grants will help enhance critical educational opportunities and build a stronger foundation for thousands of children.”

To see a detailed list of the 2013 Champions Grant projects, please visit www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org.

Kearny Construction Tech Races to Jimmy Johnson Grant

Students at Stanley E. Foster Construction Tech Academy at Kearny Educational Complex rejoiced at the news of receiving a grant for $47,476 from the Jimmie Johnson Foundation to upgrade, preserve and certify the last remaining precision-machine tool technology program in San Diego county.

 The funding will upgrade and replace equipment necessary to acquire industry recognized certification in the manufacturing and engineering pathways.

Data show that career opportunities are growing for machine-tool operators and machinists. Currently, there are more than 600,000 unfilled machinist-related jobs nationwide and little to no infrastructure in place offering professional-level training.

The equipment will outfit the facility with a modern  milling lathe and training simulators common to industry. With this new equipment, students will have an edge in obtaining employment and will learn to use the tools of tomorrow. Students will acquire professional training which meets the requirements to accredit the program under National Institute for Metalworking Skills.

The Jimmie Johnson Foundation, in partnership with Lowe’s Toolbox for Education, has been supporting schools through the Champions Grant program since 2009. Champions Grants are distributed to K-12 public schools in Chandra and Jimmie Johnson’s hometowns in California, North Carolina and Oklahoma.

For more information about Kearny Construction Tech Academy and/or the machine tooling program, please contact Principal Laura Bellofatto at lbellofatto@sandi.net or Greg Quirin, CCTE Program Specialist, at gquirin@sandi.net.