Dare Education Foundation (DEF) has provided a grant to help us purchase new calculators for classroom use so that we can use our old set to be loaner calculators to students who would not be able to purchase one to use at home. Parents and students have greatly appreciated this option for them.

Also DEF has provided a grant to jumpstart our Odyssey of the Mind program in our high school. We held a "Problem Solvers Camp" this summer and students were thinking out of the box with creativity.

The Dare Education Foundation provided a grant to the children with moderate to severe disabilities to purchase Ipads and apps appropriate for communication and learning. They were so supportive of our students needs and really took the time to make sure we were set and ready to use our technology in the classroom with the starting school year. Since the year started, we have seen enormous growth in our students. We have one that used the iPad with the communication app to communicate all his needs and wants. He is almost completely independent this year thanks to the iPad. Another student uses the iPad to help her remember each task so she is learning not to go to her teachers, but to go to the iPad for help. These iPads and apps have completely changed the classroom and opened up so many doors for our students. None of this would have been possible without Dare Education Foundation.

The Dare Education Foundation has played a key role in helping me focus my grant proposal, as well as helping me see where it can lead in the future. Through their support, our construction classes have been able to design and build tank stands for two, 125 gallon aquariums. In a separate proposal, these aquariums have become a reality and are completely maintained by chemistry students.

Dare Education Foundation helped me realize a goal I had for my school and my students! The grant proposal process was straight-forward, and as a busy teacher, I greatly appreciated their flexibility and open minds to my ideas. Oftentimes, it's hard to get funding for unique projects and innovative opportunities due to budget constraints at the school and district level. Having a local non-profit that understands our goals and aims to help us achieve them is invaluable.

Thanks to grants from the Dare Education Foundation, I have been able to purchase Kindles for struggling readers in 4th grade, and purchase books for all of our elementary school students in K-5 to read during the summer. In addition to this direct support of my students, I have also been fortunate enough to have their support for my own professional development. The Dare Education Foundation contributed towards my National Board Certification, my completion of an advanced degree in School Administration, and additional training in Differentiating Literacy Instruction. My teaching wouldn't be the same without them!
Jessica Loose, ESL Teacher, Dare County Schools

As a non-formal educator at a state science facility, I look for ways to reach the children on the Outer Banks. Despite our tourist economy, our schools don't always have the funds to bring in programs that meet their curriculum needs. That's where Dare Education Foundation (DEF) comes in--if you have a good idea to present, they usually have the funds to make it happen. The application process is straight forward, getting reimbursed is a breeze, and the staff and board will work with you should you find you need to tweak the grant midstream. I look forward to working with them again soon!

I volunteered with Dare Education Foundation (DEF) because this organization supports the students of Dare County. DEF provides grants to teachers to enhance learning experiences. For example, I read how First Flight High School has received funding to have special aquariums in the school so that science classes can acquire water samples easily to do their labwork.