Building Community, Confidence, and Curiosity: How 16 Grants Are Making a Difference For Kids in District 65
At Foundation 65, we believe every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. This year, we funded 16 unique grants that brought this belief to life in classrooms and communities across Evanston/Skokie School District 65. From hands-on learning to leadership development, these projects show the incredible creativity and heart of our educators and families.
One kindergarten teacher shared how bringing sensory-rich experiences into the classroom transformed learning. Her students got to explore a farm firsthand—a field trip that not only enriched their vocabulary but also gave kids who don’t often get those opportunities a chance to connect and grow together. “I saw so much engagement and growth,” she said, “and it really helped make the curriculum come alive for my students.”
Another program created a welcoming after-school book club centered on Latino culture. Families who hadn’t typically feel comfortable or welcome attending school events started showing up and felt valued. The books weren’t just stories; they were mirrors where students could see themselves reflected—and that made all the difference. One teacher noted how kids were excited to talk about characters who looked like them, building pride and a love of reading.
The Black SonRISE program took a different approach, focusing on young Black boys and their journey toward leadership and accountability. More than 100 students found a safe space to grow, supported by dads and mentors who are deeply invested in their futures. This program has even caught the attention of Northwestern University, with plans to expand and bring in student interns to support the work.
For girls of color navigating middle school, a new community called Wolfpack became a lifeline. Through yoga, journaling, and heartfelt conversations, these young women built confidence and coping skills while forming friendships that didn’t exist before. “They now have a whole pack to lean on,” their teacher shared, highlighting the power of belonging.
And outside the classroom, the new STEAM Outdoor Classroom at JEH is sparking curiosity for hundreds of students. Imagine water walls, music stations, and mud kitchens where kids can experiment, build, and discover—all designed to close the gap in access to science and art experiences for BIPOC students.
Across all these projects, a few things stand out:
Equity in action — Programs intentionally create spaces where historically marginalized students feel seen and celebrated, breaking down barriers like language, culture, and access.
Social and emotional well-being — Many initiatives focus on healing and growth, offering trauma-informed support and fostering resilience.
Family and community connections — Engaging families in meaningful ways strengthens trust and partnership between home and school.
Student empowerment — Whether through leadership, literacy, or STEM, these grants build skills and confidence so students know they belong and matter.
As one educator said, “Foundation 65 doesn’t just fund projects—they trust educators to do what’s best for kids. That trust makes it less daunting and more inspiring.”
We’re honored to support these incredible efforts and excited to see how they grow next year—bringing even more students into communities where they can thrive.