(Students in Crook County benefit from Facebook Community Action Grants by using the newest STEM equipment in their lessons. | Photo Courtesy of Crook County School District)
Facebook has announced its 2020 recipients of Facebook’s Community Action Grants, a program created to address needs in Crook County by putting the power of technology to use for community benefit, connecting people online or off and improving STEM education. Facebook is invested in the long-term vitality of the community, and this year, 18 outstanding nonprofits and schools were awarded grants to support their work.
Following are stakeholder quotes and the full list of the 2020 recipients.
“We truly appreciate Facebook in our town. They have become an anchor to our community. Their educational partnership with our communities and school systems has lifted us well beyond our expectations. The funding provided by the Facebook Community Action Grants will catalyze, enhance and support essential science, technology, engineering and math programs within our school system and library that are critical to our children’s education.” — Prineville Mayor Steve Uffelman
“MountainStar Prineville is thrilled to receive a grant of $10,000 from Facebook. This funding will support STEM technology and educational program materials for our therapeutic classrooms. These items play an important role in our delivery of high-quality early childhood programming and support to at-risk children and their families in Crook County.” — Diane Fernandez, grants manager, MountainStar Family Relief Nursery
“The Facebook Data Center is a valued partner in our work to help the teens in our Prineville Residential Treatment Program thrive. An educational foundation for our kids is imperative to their recovery and assimilation upon graduating from our program. Funding from the Facebook Community Grant will secure the classroom infrastructure crucial to our ability to provide a quality learning experience. The Facebook Data Center’s commitment and dedication to the Crook County community is an inspiration.” — Michelle Duff, Community Outreach Manager, Rimrock Trails
“The Community Action Grants program provides an opportunity for Facebook to help advance local STEM education and have a positive impact on the community. We are proud to support schools, nonprofits and projects that help Prineville continue to be a wonderful place to live and work.” — Andrew Gold, site manager, Facebook Prineville Data Center
2020 Facebook Community Grant Recipients
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon / $10,000
This grant will allow Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon to recruit, train and match mentors with at-risk youth in Crook County. Once matched, youth will spend six to 12 hours a month with their mentor engaging in positive educational and recreational experiences.
Central Oregon STEM Hub at the High Desert Education Service District / $5,000
This grant will support career and technical education, as well as STEM education, through the Central Oregon STEM Hub, preparing students to be critical thinkers, career-ready and college-bound through integrated STEM opportunities in and out of the classroom.
Central Oregon Youth Development / $17,816
Central Oregon Youth Development enriches, mentors and educates youth through safe and positive outside-of-school programs. This STEM and curriculum grant will support two outside-of-school programs advancing the academic and social success of all students in Crook County.
ChickTech Central Oregon Chapter / $10,000
ChickTech envisions an inclusive and innovative technology future that includes equal pay, participation and fair treatment of women. ChickTech’s hands-on, technology-centric events and programs empower, support and increase the confidence of women and girls interested in technology.
Crook County Kids / $6,000
This grant will expand the opportunity for youth to participate in year-round, engaging and interactive STEM activities that promote learning and confidence necessary for life-long success.
Crook County School District / $43,250
This grant will support the Crook County School District STEAM education program by adding technology to its art education program by integrating digital and STEM skills.
Crook County School District / $18,020
This grant will support the Crooked River Elementary Early Technology Integration Project, which focuses on getting technology in the hands of young learners by strategically offering STEM experiences for kindergarten through second graders, establishing a foundation of technological literacy for years to come.
Crook County School District / $10,844
This grant will help Crook County Schools expand its growing technology offerings by adding new robotics kits to the middle school. This initiative aligns middle school and high school robotics and helps students take part in competitions with other Central Oregon schools.
Crook County School District / $10,000
This grant will support improvements to Crook County Middle School’s auditorium and stage technology, allowing for better student and community presentations and performances.
Crook County School District / $10,000
This grant supports Pioneer High School’s electronic Booksource book database, allowing the school to track how many books are read each year and which titles are the most popular, as well as helping the school expand its digital library and create new lesson plans.
Crook County School District / $2,000
This grant supports digital access to the Oregon Battle of the Books program, allowing students to download books electronically through the library.
Heart of Oregon Corps / $4,060
This grant allows the Heart of Oregon Corps to inspire and empower positive change in the lives of young people through jobs, education and community stewardship via projects such as public land conservation, building affordable housing, recycling and wildfire fuel reduction.
MountainStar Family Relief Nursery / $10,000
This grant will support STEM and educational opportunities at the MountainStar Family Relief Nursery, with the goal of nurturing children’s emotional, physical and intellectual development in a safe environment through community support.
Powell Butte Community Charter School / $10,000
This grant will support STEM education at the Powell Butte Community Charter School, providing multiple opportunities for students to learn the fundamentals of computer science through coding and STEM activities, as well as online learning tools.
Pursuit Global / $4,000
This grant will allow hundreds of Crook County High School students to attend the Pursuit Connects Career Conference in Central Oregon.
Redemption House Ministries / $5,000
This technology grant will enable Redemption House Ministries to continue providing shelter and case management services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Crook County.
Rimrock Trails Treatment Services / $31,510
This grant will help ensure the best technology is available for the classroom and educational components of teens in residential treatment.
SMART Reading / $2,500
This grant will help the SMART Reading children’s literacy program purchase more than 850 digital books, serving students by providing one-on-one reading time and access to books in Crook County’s highest-need areas.
