The EdVenture Group, in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Education, is pleased to announce the awardees for the Leaders Investing in Family Engagement (L.I.F.E.) Mini Grant Opportunity. The L.I.F.E. Program focuses on building leadership capacity, effective family engagement strategies, and connected, supportive networks for strong leadership. The 2023-2024 cohort included 31 participants from ten schools across seven West Virginia counties.
"It was wonderful getting to know each of the school teams that participated in the 23-24 L.I.F.E. cohort. Their passion, dedication, and positive impact on their communities does not go unnoticed. We appreciate their commitment and look forward to seeing how the awarded schools will enhance family engagement in their communities!"
Participants of this school year’s L.I.F.E. cohort were encouraged to apply for family engagement funding through the L.I.F.E. Mini Grant Opportunity. Six schools were awarded $3,000 each, which will support their efforts of implementing family engagement activities in their community.
Awardees include:
Braxton County Middle School – Braxton County
New River Primary – Fayette County
Oak Hill Middle School – Fayette County
Oak Hill High School – Fayette County
Piedmont Elementary – Kanawha County
Pickens School – Randolph County
Applicants included a short description of their planned family engagement activity, including key takeaways from the L.I.F.E. program and how the program inspired and prepared them to plan and implement the family engagement activity. Funded schools will have the opportunity to plan, organize, and implement a family engagement event or activity in their communities.
"We are so excited to receive the grant. Thank you so much for this award, and again for all you did to help us enrich our knowledge for Family Engagement."
About The EdVenture Group
The EdVenture Group is a national non-profit organization committed to creating customized solutions to educational challenges. Founded in 2001 by classroom teacher Dr. Lydotta Taylor, EdV is a nonprofit organization inspiring lifelong learning at all levels by developing and delivering innovative solutions to obstacles in K-12 education. The organization has managed over $25 million in federal, state, local, and private funding to provide proven processes, programs, and expertise to students, educators, and communities in Appalachia and across the nation. For more information, visit www.theedventuregroup.org or contact Kayla Benson, Director of Impact, at [email protected].
About The West Virginia Statewide Family Engagement Center
The West Virginia Statewide Family Engagement Center was made possible by Grant #U310A180062 from the U.S. Department of Education. The program is based on current, evidence-based practices that engage families, educators, and community members in the educational process to enhance student academic achievement. This initiative offers families a variety of opportunities to participate in their child’s learning both inside and outside of school.