The Columbia Public Schools Foundation (CPSF) announced that it is awarding more than $150,000 to 30 schools in the Columbia Public Schools (CPS) as part of its new Students First Fund grants.

The Students First Fund is a new Foundation initiative designed to reach teachers and students in the classroom, with an emphasis on grants that have a building, grade-level or department-level impact. Grants are available for one school per annual grant cycle, with a maximum of $6,000 per school.

“We are so excited to award these funds to schools as part of our new Students First Fund,” said Katie Harris, executive director of CPSF. “From a schoolwide One-Read program to robotics equipment, these grants directly reach students. We listened to our schools to learn exactly what they need to help students continue to be successful.”

The Foundation visited each school receiving a grant, beginning on Giving Tuesday, to surprise them with the good news about their award. In all, 30 schools will be awarded grants for a total of $150,431.30, benefiting more than 15,973 preschool, elementary, middle and high school students. For a complete list of grants awarded, please see the attachment.

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 28 years.