Enrichment Grant Recipients
Enrichment activities for young people are known to enhance academic performance and problem-solving skills. Beyond academics, these programs boost self-esteem, foster social emotional learning, and encourage creativity. Unfortunately, access to these sorts of programs is often limited by income and availability.
SBCO is committed to supporting the “extras” that meet the various academic, social, and recreational needs of children. Our funding allows a variety of nonprofit organizations to offer programs and services that reinforce classroom learning, build community and family connections, and improve access to sports and extra-curricular activities. We’ve highlighted a few below as examples of the ways we help change lives through grant-making.
We support...
Literacy
A $3,000 grant to Bejarano Elementary School in Miami, AZ for their “Reading Through the Seasons” literacy program reached 250 students. A key to success was involving parents and guardians in their child’s education through family events.
Each year SBCO funds a longstanding partnership between the SaddleBrooke Ranch Woodworking Club and Ray Elementary School in Kearny, AZ. Every first-grade student is provided with a wooden bookcase and two new books to start their in-home library – especially important when many families lack access to books.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) Education
With the help of an SBCO grant, Miami Memorial Library’s “Color the World” summer reading and science program engaged 60 children in multi-disciplinary experiences. Each week students participated in science and art education activities that sustained and enhanced learning during summer break.
SBCO funding helped San Manuel School District expand its ongoing Agriscience Program. High school students in the program gain knowledge in plant science, agribusiness, food systems, and environmental science, then teach elementary students through hands-on gardening. The final product – fresh, locally grown produce – is sold or donated, making this a project that benefits the community as a whole.
See more grant recipients
The Oracle School District provides a half-day Kindergarten Preparation program free of charge to all three- and four-year-old children living in the district. Pre-Kindergarten education is not funded by the state of Arizona. SBCO awarded a $10,000 grant to the Oracle School District to fund five scholarships for the entire 10-month school year for those students whose parents could not afford the annual tuition. Research shows that providing a high-quality education for children before they turn five produces significant long-term benefits.
SBCO awarded a $2,130 enrichment grant to the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club of Globe High School. The grant allowed three students to participate in the FBLA State Competition under the Broadcast Journalism category. This event, which gathered competitors from 55 schools across the state, showcased students’ skills in news reporting, production and presentation. The Globe students ranked 15 out of 55, competing at a high level with professionalism, teamwork and confidence against diverse and competitive teams statewide.
SBCO awarded a $7,500 grant to Triangle YMCA Ranch Camp in Oracle to provide scholarships for 10 local kids from low-income families to attend a week-long summer camp. These children will be able to enjoy archery, horseback riding, ziplining, swimming, hiking, and crafts. Being able to sing camp songs, perform skits, eat s’mores and of course, gain the self-confidence that comes from trying new things is a great benefit to youngsters who might otherwise only dream of such experiences.
SBCO funded a program developed by the principal of Lee Kornegay Intermediate school in Miami to encourage students to master the multiplication tables. Students who
can recite the tables become “Math Masters” (AKA “M&Ms”) and proudly wear a black t-shirt emblazoned with the candy’ s image. The program produced significant results. During the first semester, the students’ math test scores schoolwide showed slightly under (.93) a full year of growth in just five months. This approach – incentivizing students to acquire skills through a combination of rewards and competition – has proven to be very successful.
Hayden Public Library was awarded a $5,600 grant for its summer program for youth. The funds were used to purchase books, computer and board games, two pair of virtual reality goggles for computer games, supplies for a wide variety of craft classes, regular nutritional cooking classes and two guest science lectures. One lecture featured nitrogen coated “flash” paper and various experiments involving dry ice. Another lecture featured stomp rockets made from one-liter bottles that take flight due to pressurized air. The grant also funded backpacks and materials for nature explorers. Armed with a checklist, magnifying glass, and binoculars, the kids participated in a nature scavenger hunt. Those who completed the checklist by a set deadline received a two-way viewer and were entered into a drawing for a microscope.
Recent SaddleBrooke Community Outreach Enrichment Grants –
supporting initiatives that make a difference in the lives of children and youth
Grant Purpose/Program… Community/Organization
Mammoth Little League…Mammoth
Girls Softball… Mammoth/San Manuel
Bookshelves and Books K-8… Ray School District
Farm to School Agriscience… Ray School District
Community Partnership K-12… Hayden
Reading Programs for Kids… Hayden Library
Lifelong Learning Program… Hayden Library
Summer Reading Program… Hayden Library
Kinder Prep… Oracle School District
Eastern U.S. Historical Trip… Oracle School District
Math Masters K-8… Oracle School District
GATE Program… Oracle School District
Mountain Vista Band… Oracle School District
HS Agriscience Program San Manuel
America 250 Anniversary… Miami Library
Adventures Begin with Science… Miami Library
Summer Reading Programs… Miami Library
Summer Enrichment K-11… Miami/San Manuel
Summer Sports K-6… Miami/San Manuel
Reading Through the Seasons… Miami United School District
Math Masters K-2… Miami United School District
Math Masters 3-6… Miami United School District
Future Business Leaders of America… Superior
Triangle Y Ranch Camp… YMCA of Southern Arizona
