November 2022: $5 Million Awarded in Grants, Michigan Trip, and More
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School Counseling, Outdoor Learning Awarded Funding as Part of $5 Million in New Grants
This fall, our board approved over $5 million in new grants, including support to boost school counseling and outdoor learning.
In the wake of the pandemic, learning loss, isolation, and other factors have greatly impacted students and their educational trajectories. Funding from Ball Brothers Foundation will be used to bolster counseling departments and ramp up career/technical training. Support will also allow schools to expand outdoor learning opportunities in order to improve academic performance and promote perseverance, problem-solving, critical thinking, and resilience. This funding is part of larger grants awarded to both Muncie Community Schools and Burris Laboratory School.
"Ball Brothers Foundation continues to be committed to strengthening public school education in the heart of Muncie's central city," reflected Jud Fisher, President & CEO.
Northern Michigan Summit emphasizes outdoor education
This fall, we took eleven grantees on a special trip to Leland, Michigan for our "2022 Northern Michigan Summit." For several days, the group explored the intersection of outdoor recreation and education, specifically the value of outdoor learning in the lives of children and young adults.
While attending the summit, members of the Indiana group met their counterparts from like-minded organizations in Michigan. Together, the groups visited nature preserves, saw schools that put outdoor experiences at the heart of their curriculum, and even had their own hands-on learning experiences including a sailing adventure on Lake Michigan. The group was also inspired by keynote speaker Sarah Milligan-Toffler, President & CEO of Children and Nature Network.
The inspiring story of Carl Erskine
In October, we hosted a special documentary screening at Muncie Civic Theatre. Our board, Associate Directors, and staff were joined by several hundred community members for the premiere of the new documentary, “The Best We’ve Got: The Carl Erskine Story.”
Missed it? A future screening of the documentary is scheduled for January 5 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Waterways Film Tour at Muncie Civic Theatre
On December 6, we're partnering with The Nature Conservancy and Indiana Humanities to host a screening of films from the Waterways Film Tour at Muncie Civic Theatre. As part of this special screening, we'll be premiering The Nature Conservancy’s new minidocumentary about the Upper White River. The event is free and open to the public, though advanced registration is requested.
A Fond Farewell & Open Position
In late October, we said farewell to Michelle Stephenson, BBF's Executive Assistant. Michelle has relocated to the Chicago-area with her husband.
We're still accepting applications for the "Executive Assistant & Convenings Coordinator" position. It's a fast-paced, fulfilling position. The salary range is $40,000-$50,000 plus benefits.
