Mankato Clinic Foundation marks $100,000 Educare Foundation partnership
The Mankato Clinic Foundation has awarded $25,000 to the Educare Foundation to support initiatives and programs in Mankato Area Public Schools for a total of $100,000 in grants since 2019. Beginning in 2023, Mankato Clinic Foundation grants will help support social, emotional and equitable learning tools and programs.
“Through this partnership, we have been able to make a difference for students and teachers in our classrooms and schools,” said Marcia Bahr, Mankato Clinic Foundation president. “By focusing on social, emotional and equitable learning tools and programs moving forward, our funding is tied more closely to our passion to foster the health and well-being of our community members.”
The Educare Foundation funds Ed Waltman mini-grants to teachers for learning tools. In the 2021-22 school year, the Mankato Clinic Foundation funds helped purchase diverse student books, cardio drumming sticks, a sensory learning room, multi-ethnic play people sets and books on social emotional skills. Larger Educator Initiative grants included music labs at Mankato East and West high schools.
“Educare is passionate about funding innovative ideas! With community partners like the Mankato Clinic Foundation we can do more in our schools; we can encourage teachers to think creatively and design new ways to make the standards and curriculum come alive for our students. Education and learning really is more powerful when we engage the kids!” said Kyena Cornelius, MNSU-Mankato, College of Education, chairperson of Educare Foundation Grants Committee.
