Tomorrow’s Tech, Today’s Classrooms

The foundation has long prioritized putting cutting-edge technology into the hands of students. This commitment is visible in projects like “Robotics and Coding with iPads” at Doherty Elementary and the “Laker STEAM Team” at ACS. For the 2025–2026 school year, innovation continues with “Scotch STEAM” and “Growing the STEAM Experience” at Gretchko, ensuring students at all levels are mastering modern technical skills.

Cultivating the Next Generation of Thinkers

WBEF grants often target specific academic areas with creative, hands-on solutions:

• Dynamic Literacy: Projects like “Stories That Spark” and “I See Me in a Story” utilize diverse literature to engage readers and reflect their identities.
• Real-World Science: At West Bloomfield High School, students have explored advanced medical sciences through “COSI In Depth: Autopsy and Kidney Transplant” simulations.
• Cultural Immersion: The “Spanish Cultural Immersion Program” at WBMS helps students embrace different cultures and become global citizens.

Designing Spaces for Success

Beyond specific curricula, the WBEF invests in the physical and emotional learning environment. The foundation has funded “Zen Rooms” at the high school and “Reset Rooms” at Gretchko to provide students with spaces to refocus and manage their well-being. Collaborative spaces are also a priority, with initiatives like “Collaborative Whiteboards” and “Maker Space Supplies” encouraging students to work together on complex problems.

A Multi-Generational Impact

Innovation isn’t just about the latest gadget; it’s about inspiring a lifelong love of learning. Programs like “Bee-Bots for STEAM Learning” and “Digital Game Creation & Video Recording” have been engaging students for years. Most recently, the foundation selected 46 innovative proposals for the 2025–2026 school year, representing a total investment of $24,698.68 into the future of West Bloomfield’s children.

By consistently funding these high-impact programs, the WBEF ensures that innovation remains a standard part of the West Bloomfield student experience, turning every classroom into a place of inspiration.

Bringing STEAM to Life

Innovation in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) is a hallmark of WBEF’s impact. For the 2025–2026 school year, the foundation is funding the “Laker STEAM Team” at ACS and “Scotch STEAM” at Scotch Elementary to provide students with high-level problem-solving opportunities. These projects build on a long history of technical investment, such as the “Robotics and Coding with iPads” initiative at Doherty Elementary and the introduction of “Bee-Bots for STEAM Learning” across multiple elementary schools.

Cultivating a Community of Readers

The WBEF understands that literacy is the foundation of all academic success. To support this, the foundation has funded a wide array of diverse and interactive literacy programs:

• Inclusive Literature: The “Stories That Spark” project at Gretchko Elementary and the “Project Lit Book Club” at Sheiko help students see themselves and others in the books they read.
• Engaging Young Readers: Initiatives like the “Book of the Month Club” at Doherty and “Historically Responsive Read Alouds” at Gretchko ensure that reading remains an exciting and relevant part of the school day.
• Literacy at Home: Programs such as “Take Home Readers = Life Long Readers” at Roosevelt bridge the gap between classroom instruction and home learning.

Supporting the Whole Student

Success in the classroom is deeply tied to a student’s social and emotional well-being. WBEF grants have pioneered the creation of supportive environments through projects like “Coping Kits” and “Zen Rooms,” which provide students with the tools they need to manage stress and stay focused on their studies. Recent grants for “Social Emotional Development” at Doherty and “SEL Tools” at Sheiko continue this mission, ensuring that every student has the emotional support necessary to excel academically.

A Multi-Year Commitment to Excellence

The scale of this transformation is made clear by the sheer volume of support provided over the years. Whether it was the 53 grants awarded during the challenging 2020–2021 fall mini-grant cycle to provide “Technology Toys and Learning Tools” or the 57 proposals selected in 2023–2024 to enhance everything from “LEGO Learning” to “Spanish Cultural Immersion,” the WBEF remains the driving force behind classroom innovation in West Bloomfield.

By investing directly in the creativity of teachers and the potential of students, the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation ensures that “Education First” is more than a slogan—it is a daily reality for every child in the district.

Empowering the “Portrait of a Graduate”

The core of WBEF’s impact lies in its commitment to developing the “4 Cs” in every student: Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity. By selecting projects that specifically target these skills, the foundation ensures that West Bloomfield students are not just learning facts, but are becoming contributors and problem-solvers.

Record-Breaking Support for Educators

The foundation’s recent grant cycles highlight an incredible trajectory of growth. For the upcoming 2025–2026 school year, the WBEF Grant Committee reviewed 56 applications and selected 46 innovative proposals for funding, totaling an impressive $24,698.68. This follows a consistent history of support, including:

• 2024–2025: $14,075 distributed across 31 successful proposals.
• 2023–2024: 57 proposals selected from 88 applications.
• 2022–2023: A 100% approval rate, with all 46 submitted proposals receiving funding.

Innovation in Action: From STEAM to Student Wellness

WBEF grants touch every corner of the district, from elementary classrooms to the high school level. Some of the transformative projects funded include:

• STEAM & Technology: Programs like “Laker STEAM Team,” “Robotics and Coding with iPads,” and “Growing the STEAM Experience” provide students with hands-on technical skills.
• Literacy and Inclusion: The “Stories That Spark” and “Project Lit Book Club” initiatives focus on diverse and equitable literature, ensuring all students see themselves reflected in their learning.
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Recognizing the importance of student well-being, WBEF has funded “Zen Rooms,” “Reset Rooms,” and “Coping Kits” to help students manage stress and focus on learning.

A Community-Driven Future

“Seeing these numbers grow each year represents our unwavering commitment to providing every student and teacher with the innovative resources they need to succeed.” …. “Each dollar raised and grant awarded is a direct investment in the bright future of our West Bloomfield community.”

– WBEF Board Member Kristen Parker.

As the WBEF continues to bridge the gap between traditional budgets and 21st-century needs, one thing is clear: the foundation isn’t just funding projects; it is fueling the future of West Bloomfield education.

A Record of Generosity

The impact of donor support is most visible in the consistent growth of the WBEF grant program. For the 2025–2026 school year, community contributions have enabled the foundation to fund 46 proposals totaling $24,698.68. This follows a strong tradition of giving, including:

• 2024–2025: $14,075 distributed across 31 innovative projects.
• 2020–2021: Over $12,800 awarded during the fall mini-grant cycle specifically for “Technology Toys and Learning Tools”.
• Consistently High Approval: In years like 2022–2023, donor support was so robust that the Grant Committee was able to fund 100% of the applications submitted.

Where Your Support Goes

Every dollar donated to the WBEF is an investment in a student’s future. Donor-funded initiatives are carefully selected to enhance the “4 Cs”: Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity.

• STEAM and Innovation: Your support brings technology to life through projects like the “Laker STEAM Team” and “Robotics and Coding with iPads”.
• Inclusive Literacy: Donations fund diverse classroom libraries, such as the “Stories That Spark” project and the “Project Lit Book Club,” which ensure all students feel represented in their learning.
• Student Wellness: Support for the whole child is a priority, evidenced by the creation of “Zen Rooms” and “Coping Kits” to help students manage stress and remain focused on their academic goals.

Transforming the Learning Environment

Support from the community doesn’t just provide supplies; it transforms the very spaces where learning happens. From “Outdoor Learning Spaces on Apple Island” to the installation of “Playground Communication Boards” at every elementary school, your contributions make the entire district a more interactive and inclusive place to grow.

The Power of the Community

The WBEF remains dedicated to its mission because of the unwavering support of local families, businesses, and educators. By choosing to support the foundation, you are not just funding a single grant—you are shaping a culture of excellence and innovation that will inspire West Bloomfield students for generations to come.