Giving has reached new record levels as the Auburn Public Schools Foundation recently awarded more than $21,000 as part of its fall grant cycle.

“We gave more money to Auburn schools in the most recent quarter than we did all of last year,” said Matthew Longhurst, executive director of the foundation. “This clearly shows that the Auburn community strongly believes in supporting its children.”

Twelve district schools received 15 classroom grants and three pantry project grants, with more than 3,000 students benefitting from the projects and programs being funded.

The foundation’s classroom grants will provide access to programs that focus on STEM, literacy, fine arts and healthy choices priorities.

For example, the foundation is partially funding the acquisition of tower gardens for Arthur Jacobsen Elementary. These gardens are self-contained units that grow seeds into edible produce and other plants over a period of eight weeks. The units have internal water and light sources that nourish the plants while students learn valuable botanical and other science lessons.

Several other awards are supporting the acquisition of new and updated reading materials for libraries and classrooms around the school district.

“As I work to motivate and inspire our students to read, I know that having additional copies of books in hardback format will help support our long term goals. We work every day to promote literacy and to develop a love of reading in all our students,” said grant recipient Shawn Welsh, librarian at Gildo Rey Elementary.

Local residents can support the work of the foundation by participating in one of its upcoming events such as the first annual Auburn Turkey Trot 5K run/walk taking place in Lakeland Hills on Thanksgiving morning. Registration and other information is available at AuburnTurkeyTrot5K.

“The foundation grants opportunities for Auburn students to achieve success through the generous contributions of community members,” said Longhurst. “We appreciate all the support.”

For more information contact Matthew Longhurst at mlonghurst@auburnpsf.org.