Partnership Receives $10,000 Grant
The Portland Education Partnership (PEP) recently was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Sam L. Cohen Foundation to support Expeditionary Learning at three Portland public schools. The funds will sponsor community-based learning projects at East End Community School, King Middle School and Casco Bay High School.
Portland is one of the few districts in the country that offers Expeditionary Learning at all grade levels. Expeditionary Learning is an innovative teaching strategy in which students work on curriculum-based projects (called expeditions) and engage in experiential, relevant, community-based learning.
The Expeditionary Learning schools offer exciting and effective options to those students who thrive in smaller learning communities and who learn through experience.
PEP works to acquire and distribute funding to support relevant, community-based learning in Portland. In addition to supporting Expeditionary Learning, PEP makes available Reachout, Arts in Education, and Service Learning classroom grants to fund innovative projects proposed by teachers and students throughout the Portland school district. PEP also manages business and community partnerships, volunteer screening and placement and supports the youth civic action group, YOUTHINK.
The Portland Education Partnership, established in 1989, is a nonprofit organization that enriches student learning and builds support for the Portland public schools by promoting opportunities for parent, business and community involvement. For more information, contact Susan L. Steele, the director, at steels@portlandschools.org.
