WSF Awards $8,723 for November grant cycle

The Waterloo Schools Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the November 2025 grant cycle, awarding a total of $8,723 to support creative and impactful classroom projects across the Waterloo Community School District.

The following educators and projects were selected for funding:

Ben Hirdler, West High - Tech for West High Speech & Theater | $1,006

Technology enhancements for the West High Speech & Theater program, supporting student performances and presentations.

MAJ (retired) Brian Lynch poses with East JROTC students.

MAJ (retired) Brian Lynch, East High - JROTC | $4,500

Resources to strengthen the JROTC program, offering students leadership opportunities and practical skills.

Jane Castings, Region 2 Librarian (Orange, Poyner, Bunger, Highland) - Dynamic Shelving | $900

New shelving to create dynamic and flexible library spaces for students across multiple schools.

Jill Peters, Highland Elementary - Multilingual Literacy Night | $1,067

Funding to support multilingual books for Highland's multilingual family literacy night.

Lacy Irwin, George Washington Carver Academy - Monster Truck Sewing Project | $500

A hands-on sewing project combining creativity and collaboration for students between school buildings.

Sarah Laube, Kingsley Elementary - Writing for All | $250

Resources to enhance writing instruction for all students, supporting skill development and engagement.

Stephanie Grund, Highland Elementary - Classroom Decodable Library | $500

Funding for a decodable book library to strengthen reading instruction and support early literacy development.

Sarah Laube poses with student and Kinglsey Administration to celebrate her WSF grant.

These grants will be funded through the Waterloo Schools Foundation's grant funds, STEM fund, and dollars restricted for the "Arts", which are all made possible thanks to the generosity of donors who believe in the power of education. In addition to these grants, the WSF continues to support the Waterloo Schools through various District Initiatives and other fundraising projects that align with the WCSD's strategic plan.

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Your Support Makes a Difference. If you are interested in sponsoring a grant or learning more about giving opportunities, please contact Hannah Luce at 319-214-0134 or h.luce@wcsfoundation.org.

Grants Reopen December 1st. Educators and students are encouraged to apply from December 1st to January 1st for the WSF's January 2026 grant cycle. Visit our grants page to learn more.