The Columbia Public Schools Foundation (CPSF) is pleased to announce two spring grants for 2023. The Foundation made the announcements today at the CPS Planetarium at Rock Bridge High School and the Columbia Area Career Center.

The CPS Planetarium will receive $3,361 to upgrade the facility’s sound and lighting. The Planetarium features a full-dome projection system presenting an ever-growing library of entertaining and educational shows while treating visitors to a unique view of the universe in which we live. Since its opening in 1974, the Planetarium has hosted school children in kindergarten through 12th grade from all over mid-Missouri, as well as regular events for the whole community.

The Columbia Area Career Center (CACC) will receive $12,215 to purchase t-shirt printers and heat presses for the digital media department. Digital media students currently design t-shirts as part of their curriculum, and the process of printing their creations will give them relevant industry experience with potential for cross-collaboration with the CACC marketing department. Part of the Columbia Public Schools community, CACC also serves the community through a variety of Career and Technical Education programs and courses for all ages.

“The Foundation is excited to award these grants to the Planetarium and the Career Center,” said Katie Harris, executive director of CPSF. “The Planetarium is truly a gem for the school district and the community, and we are pleased that this grant will keep its lighting and sound state-of-the-art. We also look forward to returning to the Career Center to see what the digital marketing students will produce.”

The Columbia Public Schools Foundation is a private foundation established by community volunteers dedicated to the enrichment of public education through community giving. The Foundation has funded projects in every school, allocating more than $1.6 million to enhance education in the Columbia Public Schools. CPSF was founded in 1996 and has supported teachers and students for 27 years.