Plainfield Foundation for Excellence Offers 'Horizon Grants' for Juniors

The Plainfield Foundation for Excellence will again help District 202 high school juniors to broaden their academic horizons through its second annual Horizon Grant program. 

The Foundation will award up to five Horizon Grants worth up to $1,000 each to help current high school juniors to defray the cost of a summer extended learning experience.

The grants are available to students from all four District 202 high schools and Plainfield Academy, the district’s alternative high school.

Horizon Grant applications are due April 4, 2014. Winners will be announced by May 1, 2014. Applications are available in each high school’s guidance office, and on the Foundation for Excellence web site (www.d202foundation.org )

The Foundation introduced the Horizon Grants last year as its latest effort to support academic innovation for District 202 students.

Three students used the grants this past summer to help pay for and attend a summer nursing camp in Milwaukee; a debating institute; and Australia as part of a student exchange program.

 “The Horizon Grants are a great example of the unique ways the Foundation for Excellence helps District 202 students learn and grow,” said Foundation Chairperson Margie Bonuchi.

“We are proud and happy to provide students and staff opportunities for personal, academic and professional growth,” Bonuchi said.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the Foundation for Excellence has raised and contributed nearly $400,000 to support District 202 students and staff in the form of grants, scholarships and special funding.

The Foundation has also supported special programs including a District Art Gallery, the Great Read community reading program and the 1847 Schoolhouse Restoration.

The Foundation for Excellence has shifted its focus toward district-wide initiatives as District 202 has grown to include 30 schools and nearly 29,000 students.

More information about the Foundation for Excellence and the Horizon Grant is available on the foundation web site at www.d202foundation.org.