More and more school districts are seeking grants and outside funding to support programs no longer covered by budgets while allowing for the establishment of new and innovative ones. 

Representatives from Manchester Middle School accept their $10,000 grant from the OceanFirst Foundation
Representatives from Manchester Middle School accept their $10,000 grant from the OceanFirst Foundation (OceanFirst Foundation)
loading...

The OceanFirst Foundation has a long history of supporting education and they have awarded $150,000 in grants to fifteen local schools as part of their 2014 Model Classroom program. A total of 73 local schools applied for the grants to develop unique and creative classrooms which would improve and enhance instruction while creating and promoting academic excellence.

The OceanFirst Foundation’s goal was to support schools that are embracing new technology, tools and training and the application process was a detailed one which took months to complete in some cases.

The 73 applicants all came together for the announcement which was done like the Academy Awards with Executive Director Kathy Durante keeping secret the names of the winners until they were revealed one by one.  Fifteen schools each got the good news that they will receive $10,000 grants to build and develop the classrooms of their dreams.

A recipient of a $10,000 grant from the OceanFirst Foundation holds up her "check"
A recipient of a $10,000 grant from the OceanFirst Foundation holds up her "check" (OceanFirst Foundation)
loading...

The winners are:

  • Brielle Elementary School,
  • Clara B. Worth Elementary School (Bayville)
  • Eagleswood Elementary School
  • Elms Elementary School (Jackson)
  • Manalapan High School
  • Manasquan High School
  • Manchester Township Middle School
  • Matawan Regional High School
  • New Egypt Middle School
  • Osbornville Elementary School (Brick)
  • Point Pleasant Borough High School
  • Saint Peter School (Point Pleasant Beach)
  • Spring Lake Heights Elementary School
  • Trinity Hall
  • Walnut Street Elementary School (Toms River).

The other 58 applicants all received gift cards to Staples as a thank you for their efforts and all the schools should be congratulated for thinking “outside the box” on behalf of their students.

Created in 1996 by OceanFirst Bank the Foundation has awarded more than $25 million in grants while focusing on education, youth development, housing, health and quality of life.  For more information you can visit oceanfirstfdn.org

More From Beach Radio