The Opportunity Fund supports several initiatives to support students at all elementary schools in the Hood River County School District.
Swim Lessons
Learning to swim is a vital skill for children growing up on the Columbia River. Swim lessons give kids the knowledge and confidence to have an enjoyable and safe summer break.
HRCEF and Hood River Parks & Recreation have partnered to fund swim lessons to ensure for all kindergarten, second and fourth grade students at all HRCSD elementary schools.
After School Care Scholarships
After-school programs offer a safe space for children, as well as dedicated homework time, healthy snacks, and fun activities for kids. HRCEF provides sliding-scale scholarships for after-school care for families with financial need in our community’s elementary schools.
With children cared for, parents can continue to work and older siblings can participate in after school sports and extracurricular activities.
SECRETS
For more than 20 years, the SECRETS program has inspired curiosity and environmental stewardship among Gorge-area fifth graders. Through hands-on lessons in the classroom and outdoors, students learn about ecology, local plants and wildlife, and the natural connections in their own backyard.
HRCEF provides grants to all HRCSD elementary schools, ensuring that every fifth grader gets to bring classroom concepts to life through this unique and beloved local program.
Arts in Education
Engaging in the creative process is a core part of a well-rounded education. HRCEF partners with Arts in Education of the Gorge to ensure every first and third grader in our schools experiences the joy of learning through art.
The Makeshift program brings professional artists into all first and third grade classrooms, collaborating with teachers to provide curriculum-related arts activities. Students also learn about community, working together to build a single piece of art with contributions from all students.
