Renewable energy company Drax has donated $15,000 to support the Junior League of Monroe’s Classroom Mini-Grants program.
The program offers educators in Ouachita Parish an opportunity to receive up to $500 in funding for unique and developmental school programs.
The Junior League of Monroe encourages educators of all levels from Pre-K to grade 12 education to apply for the Classroom Mini-Grants, which will be awarded in the fall of 2022 to ensure that the implementation of the programs can take place in the current school year.
Haley Holley, the Junior League of Monroe Vice President of Communications, said: “With Drax’s full sponsorship of the Classroom Mini-Grants, we will be able to provide more students with engaging and beneficial programs that take place right in their classrooms.
“The mini-grant funded projects help current students learn to their fullest potential. Classroom Mini-Grant projects prioritize creative learning opportunities which provides an outlet for individual expression and development of critical thinking skills. Students will also build close relationships with other students, their families, and their communities by being involved with these Classroom Mini-Grants.”
According to the Columbus Academy, studies have linked creativity to higher academic achievement, higher-order thinking, problem-solving ability and better memory retention.
Matt White, Executive Vice President of Drax’s Pellet Operations, said: “The Junior League of Monroe’s Classroom Mini-Grants is a great program that will benefit our communities by offering an interactive and creative classroom where students can learn new things in new ways. I hope the support from Drax will help educators inspire students, helping to foster an eagerness for learning and to play a part within their communities. I can’t wait to see the positive impact this program will provide.”
The Junior League of Monroe is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
Applications for the Classroom Mini-Grants are due October 10, 2022, and the recipients will be notified by October 24, 2022.