Two schools awarded $50,000 Leonore Annenberg grants

East Ridge Elementary and DuPont Elementary will get major library upgrades thanks to a grant from the Leonore Annenberg School Fund for Children.

Each school will receive a $50,000 grant, part of a series of grants marking the 10th and final year of grants from the school fund. Over the past decade, the fund has given $7 million to 91 public elementary schools that are in financial need and serve a high proportion of children from families living in poverty.

DuPont officials plan to remodel and repurpose the existing library into the “Epicenter of Learning and Collaboration.” The center will have new books and e-readers, along with refurbished areas dedicated to technology and a “Mealtime Conversation” learning lab.

East Ridge will build a “Synergy Station” that will provide students with updated reading materials, literary technology and new seating.

This is the eighth year the Public Education Foundation, a partner in the grants, and the Leonore Annenberg School Fund for Children have come together to support 14 area schools, and more than $1 million has been distributed to schools in Southeast Tennessee.

Previous local grants have funded a reading lab, multimedia facility, art studio, media center, classroom technology, playground improvements, science lab, classroom book nooks, Chromebooks, a student leadership program, software and technology upgrades.

Dan Challener, PEF president, said Leonore Annenberg was committed to improving the lives of children, particularly those who, with support, will become leaders.

“These grants certainly underscore the heart of her mission to provide students resources to help them shine brightly,” Challener said in a statement.

Leonore Annenberg was the U.S. chief of protocol for President Ronald Reagan and wife of the late Ambassador Walter H. Annenberg. She established the grants to support her lifelong commitment to public service, education and the arts.

Gail Levin, director of the Annenberg School Fund, which is administered by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania, said the grants have sought to create new learning opportunities for public elementary school students.

“We are grateful for the steady, hands-on support of our regional partner organizations, the commitment and passion of teachers and staff in each school recipient, and especially the children who gave joy and meaning to our collective efforts,” Levin said.