News Release

Office of College and Alumni Relations Grinnell College Grinnell, Iowa 50112-1690

For immediate release Contact: Kate Worster, director of communication worster@grinnell.edu

641-269-3404 fax 641-269-3408 www.grinnell.edu

Grinnell College invests thousands in local school district

GRINNELL, IA - A gift of $20,000 from Grinnell College to the Grinnell Newburg schools will be invested in staff training and professional development.

"Our country and our education system are changing quickly and professional development is one way to keep our school's leaders active and engaged with the latest thinking. What people learn at these sessions becomes part of how we think about and do our jobs differently to prepare students for their future," said Grinnell-Newburg Superintendent of Schools Edie Eckles.

According to Monica Chavez-Silva, director of community enhancement at Grinnell College, the gift is representative of the ongoing partnership between the public schools and the College. "Not only do students, faculty and staff dedicate a tremendous amount of volunteer time in the schools, but we have been able to make important financial contributions as well," said Silva, adding, "Since 2004, the College has contributed three quarters of a million dollars to district building projects. We also feel it is important to show support in ways that aren't bound up in bricks and mortar. We hope this gift gives the district that kind of flexibility."

In addition to reflecting a strong partnership between the school district and the College, the gift also strengthens the collaboration between the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation and the year-old Grinnell Newburg Educational Excellence (GNEE) foundation. The College's gift to the school district was made through the GNEE foundation, triggering a $20,000 matching gift from the Ahrens Foundation.

GNEE is an independent, community-based organization committed to supporting programs and initiatives that promote excellence in education with the goal of ensuring a first-rate education for every child in the Grinnell-Newburg District.

"We're thrilled with the matching gift because it creates a tremendous incentive for donors and will undoubtedly benefit GNEE's efforts to create a strong base of support," said Lori Francis, GNEE executive director.

The Ahrens Foundation will match individual gifts made to GNEE in the following manner. Every donation to GNEE of $10 or more from a new contributor will generate an extra $50 donation from the Ahrens Foundation, up to a total of $15,000. In addition, every gift or pledge of $500 or more will generate a dollar-for-dollar match from the Ahrens Foundation, up to a total of $35,000. "We see so many positive things happening in our community as a result of lots of people working together, said Julie Gosselink, President and CEO of the Ahrens Foundation. "We hope that this challenge will encourage even more people to consider supporting the school's academic programs."

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