Welcome to the Hood River County Education Foundation

"Our playground is in need of major upgrades. At this time financially we are unable to make long term formal improvements. Our swingset was unsafe and had to be removed this year. The swingset was one of the most used pieces of equipment. With its absence we had a large area of playground with no structures to play on. The installation of the gaga ball pit brought life to our playground. Families and students were able to have a shiny new piece of equipment at an entry level cost in regards to upgrades. It felt fresh like a special treat to the students and brightened up the space as well. It provided an structured activity for large groups of kids to participate in vs. unstructured play which can often lead to disagreements and sometimes unsafe play." Thank you to Cascade Locks Alumni Association for making this grant possible.

"Skatemaker started as an after school club 10 years ago. Throughout this project, students design and fabricate a custom skateboard to take home and enjoy. It is a perfect STEAM project, as it authentically calls on students to use creative problem solving to make a meaningful product. Since the projects inception, it has grown into a class during the school day. … This project offered a learning experience students will never forget. We started with glue, maple veneer, sand paper, and jig saws. We ended with beautiful custom skateboards, healthy modes of transportation and budding builders, designers and engineers."

"Students are loving this microscope! … During academic free time or times without a structured lesson, students are frequently on the microscope exploring things. Many times, students will come in from recess with a flower or bug saying: "I can't wait to look at this under the scope." This microscope has made a big difference in my classroom."