In many classrooms, the most impactful learning experiences require additional funding to become reality.

For teachers looking to expand beyond traditional instruction, through hands-on projects, new technology or creative programming, the Bentonville Schools Foundation helps bring those ideas to life.

Founded in 1990, the nonprofit provides grants to teachers across the Bentonville School District, supporting efforts to meet the diverse and evolving needs of their students.

That support has grown alongside the district, with the Bentonville Schools Foundation adding a grant program for students this year. Students can apply for grants for everything from athletic equipment and travel to projects like starting a tutoring program or creating an app. 

“We wanted to really close that gap on some of the students that needed additional funding, or had a great idea, but didn't want to go about trying to fundraise,” said Jenn Cozens, Bentonville Schools Foundation executive director. “How can we help them? Because when they thrive, we thrive as a whole community.”

This year, the Foundation awarded $60,000 in grants to students and teachers out of $200,000 worth of requests.

Funded projects include a classroom hydroponics system that gives students hands-on experience with sustainability, plant science and food systems, as well as updated phlebotomy training equipment that allows career pathway students to build real-world medical skills and certifications. Additional grants are supporting expanded dance programming and robotics kits that foster creativity, problem-solving and STEM-based competition opportunities.

Funding for these grants comes from individual giving campaigns, fundraising events, and corporate and business sponsorships.

“We live in a really wonderful area that sees those needs and goes, ‘Okay, how do we solve that?’ How do we bridge the gap for people to be the most successful they can be, and create a place of excellence and giving back?” Cozens said. “What this does in return is boost our workforce coming out of high school.”

The Bentonville Schools Foundation also plays a key role in community scholarship programs, working alongside schools and sponsors to help facilitate the application, evaluation and selection process. These scholarships support graduating high school seniors pursuing a range of paths, from trade and vocational programs to colleges and universities. 

The community can support Bentonville Schools Foundation with monetary donations, business or corporate sponsorships, volunteering to help with events, or by participating in an upcoming 5K fundraiser.

Gold Rush 5K, Bentonville Schools Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year, will be held May 1 in Downtown Bentonville. In its 16th year, the run draws around 2,500 to 3,000 participants along with a vendor village where community organizations show their support and showcase their products or services.

Bentonville Schools students have been preparing for the event with the Gold Rush Run Club, a free training program that has been meeting twice a week since the end of March. 

The event draws students, parents, community members and corporate teams, and this year will be held in conjunction with Downtown Bentonville Inc.’s First Friday event.

“For me personally, it is such an incredible opportunity to see all of the students and families and community members come together,” Cozens said.

Participants can run, jog or walk to support Bentonville students and teachers. Register for the event.