Umatilla School District will purchase new desks for students at Clara Brownell Middle School with a $8000 grant from the Wildhorse Foundation.
The grant will support the replacement of the current fixed desks in the eighth-grade language arts classroom, which do not accommodate many of the taller students. At this time, students often have to sit far back from their workspace or slump forward with their legs extending into the aisle, which impacts both comfort and focus. With the new desks, students will have a more supportive and comfortable learning environment that helps them stay engaged and better able to succeed.
“We are very fortunate to have the support of an organization like the Wildhorse Foundation. Their generous grant will enable us to purchase much needed equipment and desks for CBMS. Their partnership and investment in our schools is an investment in our community and our students' futures. We are truly grateful,” said Tina Ridings who works at Umatilla High School and helped write the grant for this project.
Each year, the Wildhorse Foundation makes grants to eligible nonprofit, government, and tribal organizations within the homeland area of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people. Also eligible for funding are Tribal government agencies or Native American charitable organizations with their base of operations within Oregon, as well as national or regional Indian organizations.
The Wildhorse Foundation has awarded a total of over $20 million in grant funding since its establishment in 2001. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis with the deadlines being January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. For more information, visit the Foundation’s website at www.thewildhorsefoundation.com.
About Umatilla School District: The Umatilla School District is committed to Building Bridges to Successful Futures by providing every student with a high-quality, well-rounded education. Serving grades K-12, the district offers strong academic programs, a dual language program, early college opportunities, robust STEAM and robotics pathways, and a wide range of athletics and activities. The district works closely with families and the community to support student success and help them grow into confident, capable citizens.
About the Wildhorse Foundation: The fund reflects the commitment of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation to take a proactive, positive role in the well-being of the community. Funds derived from a percentage of revenues from Wildhorse Resort & Casino, are managed and distributed by a Board of Directors comprised of community leaders and representatives of the CUTUIR.
Pictured above are the desks currently used in the eighth-grade language arts classroom, which will be replaced as part of this project.