Enhancing education for students in the Hood River County School District
Through our 57 scholarship funds, the Education Foundation has awarded more than $2,500,000 in scholarships to more than 1000 students. The Foundation has also raised and distributed more than $500,000 through its Impact Teaching Programs.
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News & Upcoming Events
Our Scholars & Donors
Thank you so much for this scholarship! I look forward to becoming an elementary educator at Western Oregon University. I hope to return to Hood River and give back to my community.
I share a passion for athletics and community that Steve shared with the Hood River Valley. I look forward to using your help to further my academics and carry on Steve’s commitment to the Gorge.
This scholarship provides me with the means to pursue my educational goals but also motivates me to give back to this community. I am eager to honor your investment in my future.
Program Highlights
2nd Grade Visists Oregon Zoo
The best part about taking Parkdale kids to Portland and the zoo is that for SO many students it's their first time seeing the city and going to the zoo. It is a trip that they talk about years later. … It's a great opportunity for students to learn about habitat, conservation, and up close learning with amazing animals.
Parkdale Elementary
Gaga Ball Pit
"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.
Cascade Locks Elementary
Sensory Supports
"The equipment we purchased with the HREF Impact Teaching Grant for our sensory room at Westside has been extremely beneficial for our students. Students have many opportunities for communication, interaction, and sensory regulation. Students have opportunities to practice and develop motor skills and coordination, turn-taking, joint attention, and engaging with peers. Students are using the space to take a break and return to class, regulated and ready to learn. Students engage with each other and have benefited from peer modeling and interactions with students who are of different ages and have different abilities."
Westside Elementary
