Easthampton Learning Foundation Awards $34,000 in Grants for 2025-26

EASTHAMPTON — The Easthampton Learning Foundation (ELF) has awarded more than $34,000 in grants for the 2025-26 school year, supporting teacher- and community driven-projects that bring creativity and hands-on learning while expanding students’ access to extracurricular and enrichment opportunities they might not otherwise experience.

This year’s funding supports a wide range of K-12 programs, including after-school drama and puppetry clubs that foster belonging and creative expression, jazz instruction and guest artist residencies, and hands-on STEAM learning through robotics, math festivals, and environmental science in partnership with local organizations such as Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Several grants support experiential learning beyond the classroom. Middle school students will attend a live performance of Hamlet at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, while others will participate in an oceanography field trip to Mystic Aquarium. Additional programs focus on social-emotional learning through poetry and storytelling; skill-building experiences for students facing physical, mental, or emotional challenges; and a pilot project designed to strengthen special education service delivery through improved progress monitoring and family engagement.

“What we see every year is how thoughtful and resourceful Easthampton educators and our community are, and this year was no different,” said Gen Brough, president of the Easthampton Learning Foundation. “These grants translate good ideas into real opportunities for students, whether that’s learning through the arts, getting hands-on with science and math, or creating spaces where students feel challenged, seen, supported, and inspired.”

Together, ELF’s 2025-26 grants will reach thousands of students across Easthampton schools, supporting learning that is meaningful, creative, and rooted in the needs of the community.

“The excitement among the teachers and students participating in programs supported by ELF grants is palpable, and the impact is immeasurable,” Easthampton Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Balch said. “ELF is a powerful partner in our work, and we are deeply grateful for their continued support. ELF’s investment in our schools brings learning to life. This partnership truly makes a difference for our students.”