Three visionary projects captured our community’s imagination and support throughout the voting process for our inaugural Classroom Makeover Recipients.
Each grant was worth up to $15,000 in the interest of bringing transformative improvements to learning spaces across Oregon.
Innovation Across Regions
The three winners were spread out among the Northwest, Southwest, and a combination of the Central and East regions of Oregon:
- Caldera High School in Bend
- Jefferson Elementary in Jefferson
- Prairie Mountain School in Eugene
One of the goals when we started building this program was to make sure we met needs across the state. So, we made it a priority to select finalists and ultimately choose a winner from three different regions.
The results were incredible, as we were able to support three unique transformations.
Caldera High School, Bend – Makerspace Lab
Caldera High School was awarded $15,000 to complete and equip its Makerspace Lab. For those not familiar with a Makerspace Lab—think of an educational space where students can create, invent, and learn with a variety of tools.
This school is unique to the Bend area, with a complete Ski and Snowboard Design and Manufacturing Lab. The funding helped cover the cost of electrical work, new tools, and storage solutions.
The grant also helped Caldera expand its bike repair and maintenance shop with new storage solutions, industry-quality equipment and tooling, and power and compressed air tie-in modifications.
This Makerspace Lab will help broaden educational opportunities by giving students access to cutting-edge tools and technology for years to come. It will also support the development of skills that prepare them for careers in engineering, manufacturing, and beyond.
“Our vision is to provide students access to industry-identified tools and technology, as well as a space to design and create, all while learning important concepts and skills that will serve them in industry, employment, and life,” said Gavin Meyers, Caldera’s engineering, architecture, and graphic design teacher who applied for the Classroom Makeover.
Jefferson Elementary School, Jefferson – Music Classroom
Nearly $12,000 was awarded to ensure necessary upgrades were made to Jefferson Elementary’s music classroom, which is a tremendous resource for students who come from low-income families or are English-language learners, said Lake. The program enriches their education by exposing students to music from different cultures, time periods, and playing techniques.
Jefferson’s funding revamped the music room in multiple ways.
With the funding from the Classroom Makeover, new seating was installed to improve comfort and engagement during music classes and performances. Not only did the seating make it easier for the kids in class to engage, but the structure can be moved around effortlessly, even with the younger kids.
Jefferson also expanded its music program, enabling the school to continue its mission of providing equitable access to enriching educational experiences.
“These students benefit greatly from our already strong elementary music program since they are given access and exposure to many experiences not available elsewhere,” said Kevin Lake, Jefferson Elementary School music teacher.
Prairie Mountain School, Eugene – Inclusive Playground
Prairie Mountain Elementary School was awarded $15,000 for its inclusive playground project aimed at creating a play space where all children can feel included.
The grant will help add a bouldering climbing tunnel to provide a sensory-rich experience that engages students in a new way. Adaptive swing sets will also be installed, ensuring students with mobility challenges can join in the fun. In addition, balance platforms, aka “The Surfer,” will be expanded for physical development and playful exploration.
“School playgrounds are important places for children to get out energy, socialize, move their bodies, and learn,” said Amanda Zacharek, the teacher leading the project. “With $15,000, our school can begin to create the playground space all children deserve.
Why Classroom Makeovers Matter
These projects are more than renovations—they’re a representation of SELCO’s commitment to removing barriers from education for teachers and students alike. Many times, the educators are trying to fund these projects on their own, so that’s where we come in to give them a helping hand to ensure no idea or space is left behind due to limited resources.
Congratulations, winners of the 2024 Classroom Makeover Grants
These projects are more than renovations—they’re a representation of SELCO’s commitment to removing barriers from education for teachers and students alike. Many times, the educators are trying to fund these projects on their own, so that’s where we come in to give them a helping hand to ensure no idea or space is left behind due to limited resources.
Published December 17, 2024
