GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Bank of America Michigan State President Kieth Cockrell announced a $250,000 grant today to support the Meijer Good Schools for Grand Rapids program. Cockrell made the announcement surrounded by 350 students at CA Frost Environmental Science Academy, one of the Grand Rapids elementary schools to benefit from the program in early 2007.
Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell, Grand Rapids Education Reform Initiative Director Wendy Lewis Jackson, Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent
Dr. Bernard Taylor, Grand Rapids Community Foundation President Diana Sieger, and Meijer Vice President of Public Affairs Stacie Behler joined Cockrell for the check presentation.
This is the third significant grant provided by the Bank of America Charitable Foundation in the past few months to support community initiatives in Michigan, and the first for West Michigan. Bank of America announced a $1 million grant to the NEXT Detroit Neighborhood Initiative in October, and a $100,000 grant to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan in November.
“Bank of America is proud to support the Meijer Good Schools for Grand Rapids program,” Cockrell said. “Contributing to a program that benefits education will pay dividends in this community for many years to come. We look forward to working with a broad array of non-profits that support the economic, educational and social vitality of Michigan.”
Developed by the Grand Rapids Education Reform Initiative, the Meijer Good Schools for Grand Rapids program rewards successful public elementary schools based on their ability to address nine benchmarks for student success. There are
three grant categories with “High Performing Schools” being the best and eligible for a grant up to $75,000, “Improving Schools” receive up to $50,000, and “Aspiring Schools” receive grants up to $25,000. Grant monies can be used for any activity that enhances the school’s efforts in meeting the program’s benchmarks for success, including professional development and training, parent and community involvement, and equipment and materials for students.
"We are very excited to welcome Bank of America to Grand Rapids,” said Wendy Lewis Jackson, executive director of the Grand Rapids Education Reform Initiative. “We look forward to working with them to send a strong message about good schools in the City of Grand Rapids."