Seven Dreams Education Foundation Hands Out Surprise Grants
The Seven Dreams Education Foundation is on prize patrol this week, handing out Hands-on Learning Grants to staff in District 281.
The Foundation plans to hand out 12 grants this week that range between $500 and $2,500.
One of the grants was awarded to two Cooper High School teachers to start art therapy classes.
“Just to feel a little more at ease after having a long day dealing with things in the classroom and in the hallways,” explained Carolina Cavillo, a specialist at the school. “Just having that space to relax and use art therapy for them to feel better.”
Cavillo is partnering with colleague Carissa Stevens for the art therapy grant. It will be for 9th-12th graders at Cooper and the money will pay for workshops by art therapy instructors as well as art supplies. The purpose is to promote mental well-being, teach coping skills and help students express themselves creatively.
Participants for the “grant patrol” on Monday included Seven Dreams Executive Director Emily Wallace-Jackson, Board Chair Richard Gentner and Robbinsdale School Board Director Helen Bassett.
See also: Seven Dreams Education Foundation Awards $90,000 to Robbinsdale Schools