MARSHALL — In its second rotation of awarding grants this year, the Pride in the Tiger Foundation (PITF) awarded $44,577 in Teacher Impact Grants in October for both public and private schools in Marshall.

Grants are awarded in March and October each year. The foundation, a non-profit organization which was established in 1999, works to support academic and personal development in all K-12 Marshall schools. In addition to raising funds for educational programs and activities, it also works to give scholarships to high school students.

“Being able to support the schools, both public and private in all these areas, I think it allows teachers to enhance the great work they’re already doing,” PITF Executive Director Krista Bjella said. “It’s all important and it’s all valuable, but giving those hands-on types of experiences to further enhance the learning, and create more memorable educational experiences for kids, I think is really important.”

The $44,577 awarded will support the following:

– Field trips, recorder books, whiteboards, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) kits at True Light Christian School

– Classroom novels, QwertyTown keyboarding license and pickleball nets at Holy Redeemer School

– Spelling Bee registration, Book Taco subscription & Scholastic Magazine at Samuel Lutheran School

– Classroom novels, Really Great Reading Kits, physical education weight equipment, Field trips, AgXplore Kits, microscopes, careers curriculum, music risers and sensory room items at Marshall’s public schools.

There were a total of 51 grant applications received from educators. Applications are reviewed by the PITF Teacher Impact Grant Committee, and scored in terms of meeting the foundation’s mission and having a lasting impact in a student educational focus.

“I think our impact is only growing, and the cost of students furthering their education is on the rise continually. So, I think the work that we are doing not only to support current education within our schools here in Marshall, but also the future education of our graduating seniors, is so impactful,” Bjella said. “We can’t do it without donors, sponsors and individuals who feel as passionate about education as we do.”

Bjella said the foundation does its best to award as many grants as they can, even if it’s a partial amount. Educators are allowed to apply for it more than once as well, if their application was not initially approved.

In the past five years, over $300,000 in grants have been awarded, and over $760,000 for scholarships have been raised.

“For us to continue to give and to support, we need that continual level of sponsorship and donors,” Bjella said. “We really rely on this community to support. The other thing is, is really staying true to what we do. So, when people do give to the foundation, they know for certain that it’s going back to the kids.”

Several local businesses are sponsors and play into the success PITF creates for Marshall education, which are listed on the foundation’s website.

“We can’t do this without our local sponsors, and those businesses do so much in our community to support our kids,” Bjella said. “We need to support those that support us, so buy local, shop local, and that in turn, comes back to our community.”

On top of sponsors, the other large factor that influences the foundation is local community members. People can donate online on the PITF website or by mailing a check to the high school.

“Our educators are so savvy with the dollars they’re given,” Bjella said. “They find ways to get more for less, always. So, even a $20 donation goes a long way.”