The Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) recently provided three community project grants. An $858.00 grant to Kirtland Community College was used to assist with expenses associated with their Summer Building Block Camp. Project H.O.P.E. was awarded a $2,500.00 grant to help in offsetting the expenses of the “Produce & Veggies-Important For You” project. Grant funding for both projects was provided by the Roscommon County Kellogg Youth Fund. The Roscommon Area Public Schools was granted $2,500.00 by the Gerrish Higgins Educational Fund to assist with the purchase of steel drums for the Roscommon Instrumental Music Department.
Kirtland’s Summer Building Block Camp introduces students to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts through the use of blocks similar to LEGOs. The program is in its second year, with 64 students enrolled this year. Grant funding assisted in the purchase of LEGO kits for these enrollees. Popularity of the Summer Building Block Camp is certainly growing, with this year’s sessions selling out in only ten days! Kirtland Community College looks forward to hosting another Summer Building Block Camp in the 2016 year, and possibly adding more camp sessions to accommodate the growing popularity.
Project H.O.P.E.’s “Produce & Veggies-Important For You” project is focused on providing fresh produce to their clients. The purpose of the grant was to provide $5.00 vouchers to Project H.O.P.E.’s clients. These vouchers are redeemable at Bart’s Fruit Market to be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables. The amount of unused vouchers in October 2015 will be honored by donations to the food pantry by Bart’s.
With the addition of four sets of steel drums, the Middle School Steel Band has been created. Students and parents are able to learn and play side by side, “reinstating the parent/student mentor program.” Along with learning to play these instruments, students and their parents are taught the history of the steel drum and its association with island cultures. The RHS Steel Drum Band has had high success, and now the Middle School Steel Band will have the same opportunity.
Inspired? Contact us to learn how you can create change in our community by supporting the Roscommon County Kellogg Youth Fund, The Gerrish Higgins Educational Fund or any other Fund through the Roscommon County Community Foundation.