Mayo Clinic Health System has expanded its School and Student Support Grant program to include school districts in five area counties.
The program, previously open to individual public and private K-12 schools, now also includes school districts in Barron, Dunn, Chippewa, Eau Claire and Trempealeau counties. Sept. 30 is the deadline for submitting an online application.
Grant awards are generally between $1,000 and $5,000, with a maximum of $5,000. Successful applicants will be notified by Oct. 31.
The program provides funds for use in the 2021-22 school year toward “innovative efforts, programs, outdoor environmental improvements, field trips and other learning opportunities that directly benefit students,” according to a Mayo Clinic press release.
“We recognize the vital roles that schools play in all of our communities: supporting our children, families, economy and our future workforce,” said Jennifer Jorgenson, interim director for Mayo Clinic’s community engagement in the northwest Wisconsin region. “Finding ways to support youth is an integral part of our mission, social responsibility and a core value of our organization.”
The program also supports efforts aligned with Mayo Clinic’s values and 2021 funding priorities: improving mental health, preventing obesity, reducing chronic disease and alcohol and substance misuse and abuse and promoting equity, inclusion and diversity.
Grant funds cannot be used to support requests for sports teams, athletic competitions or camps, fundraisers or benefits to individual students or staff members, according to the press release. A more detailed explanation of Mayo Clinic’s 2021 funding priorities can be found at this website.
— Reported by Ta’Leah Van Sistine, community reporter/editor