Foundation grants $31 million in 2013

Idaho EdNews Staff | 12/30/2013

The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation awarded more than $31 million in grants to nonprofit entities serving Idaho in 2013.

Grants went to 120 public, charter and alternative K-12 schools and districts across the state as well as every public university and community college in Idaho.

“Our family believes in Idaho,” said foundation executive director Jamie MacMillan. “We believe Idaho can be a leader in education innovation, especially in our rural locations. We are proud to collaborate with so many great educators around the state who continue to work hard to make this a reality.”

The foundation launched several new initiatives in 2013, including the first-in-the-nation statewide pilot of the Khan Academy, reaching more than 13,000 students.

The Rural Opportunities Consortium of Idaho (ROCI) brings educators from Idaho and beyond to review the challenges and opportunities of rural education.

In the past 16 years, the Albertson Foundation has awarded almost $600 million in grants for Idaho education.

2013 Albertson Foundation major grants

$3.3 million: Doceõ Centers for Innovation + Learning at Northwest Nazarene University and University of Idaho — Centers at both universities blend teaching and technology, equipping teachers with a better understanding of the role of technology in student learning.

$2.9 million: Idaho Leads Project — Idaho Leads provides professional development and builds leadership capacity in K-12 public schools.

$2.5 million: Khan Academy in Idaho — 47 schools are participating in the pilot of the Khan Academy, which supplements everyday teaching practices via online tools in math.

$1.8 million: Continuous Enrollment in 2013 — Provides retention and completion support and financial assistance to disadvantaged and non-traditional students at five community colleges and technical programs.

$1.2 million: Go On Schools Initiative — Provides resources and support to 20 Idaho middle and high schools committed to helping students pursue education and training beyond high school.

$1 million: Salvation Army — The most recent grant will go toward capital needs at the Salvation Army’s Marian Pritchett School Program for Pregnant and Parenting Girls in Boise. The school, founded in 1921, provides programs that help students complete high school and go on to post-secondary education.