Helena Education Foundation

Adult educator public education and enrichment- events in this program area include Great Conversations Carnival Classic and Celebration of Excellence. These programs offer a range of experiences including innovative discussion of current achievements and celebration of the beginning and end of year achievements of students and educators as well as family entertainment and showcasing student talent. They involve all students 8,000 and educators 600 in the school district and over 1,000 members of the public.

All other program activities including Fabulous Firsts a book for every 1st grader Pen and Ink Magazine Harrison Writing Awards Up to 4 student competitive writing cash award Issues Institutes Trading Places General Fundraising Investment and Education and Outreach activities.

Education instructor pilot and enrichment programs in classrooms -events include Great Ideas Grants and Spark Grants - the premier program achievement of the Helena Education Foundation. These dollars target Helena Educators who propose education programs for students in the K-12 Helena School District. Competitively based educators submit a program description and budget. If successful the educator is awarded a one-year grant based on the standards established by the HEF board. Generally 30-40 educators receive awards annually ranging from a low of $100 to a high of $5,000 for an annual budget that totals $65,000. These programs impact between 3000-5000 students. The Sensory Pathways special project addresses the growing need for students to engage in physical movement to engage cognitive function. HEF purchased 2 Sensory Pathways for all 11 elementary schools. Sensory pathways are colorful exercises designed to develop motor skills balance hand-eye coordination spatial awareness and provide critical "brain breaks" to calm and refocus students throughout the school day.1