North Central Education Foundation receives Wheatland Bank grant to fund teacher programs

WENATCHEE — The North Central Education Foundation (NCEF) has received a contribution from Wheatland Bank to support its Teacher Classroom Grant Program, expanding its network of community partnerships supporting educational initiatives in North Central Washington.

The donation will help fund classroom innovation projects across four counties as the foundation marks its 15th year of providing grants to teachers in Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties.

"It's exciting to have Wheatland Bank join us in continuing to support creative teachers who are bringing hands-on learning to their classrooms," said Foundation Treasurer Ray Dobbs.

The foundation's grant program awarded funding to 225 teachers this year. The grants, averaging $300, support multiple educational areas including arts and music, literacy, STEM, cultural awareness, history, social studies, social-emotional wellness, environmental education, and financial education.

NCEF Vice-President Jeff Kimbell expressed gratitude for the new partnership: "With much gratitude, we thank Wheatland Bank for their generous support. They have already proven to have a strong sense of caring towards education in our community. We look forward to working with Wheatland to foster innovation in the classroom and support great teachers in NCW."

The foundation's community support extends beyond Wheatland Bank, with additional backing from Confluence Health, the Woods Family Music and Arts Fund, the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, local Rotary organizations, and regional service organizations. Individual donors, including educators and community members, have also increased their contributions to the program.

"We are extremely pleased to support this program knowing that our contribution will help make an impact in the educational experience of so many local students," said Erica Mostek, Wheatland SVP/Director of Marketing.

The Teacher Classroom Grant Program focuses on funding innovative teaching approaches that can enhance student learning through modest financial support.