Innovative Programs
Proposed innovative projects are brought to the Education Foundation’s attention by a committee of Foundation and School District Administration members who identify projects which align with KASD’s priorities and strategic plans. The Education Foundation approves and provides funding for innovative projects throughout all grade levels. These funds are intended to supplement existing school activities, thus providing new learning opportunities not covered by local tax dollars. Many of these initiatives are funded with Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donations made by community businesses.
Teacher Mini-Grants
In 2023, we proudly launched our mini-grant initiative for teachers. We invited them to submit their creative proposals, and the response was incredible! Last year, we were thrilled to fund ten innovative projects in the district.
The teacher mini-grants are back in 2024! Stay tuned for a glimpse into these remarkable projects in action. We'll share photographs of the positive impact on our students as they learn, explore, and grow.
2025 Mini-Grants
The Kutztown Area School District Education Foundation is pleased to announce the awarding of mini-grants for the 2024-25 school year. Students from every building will benefit from the wide variety of projects submitted. A complete list of the plans by building is here.
“Your support makes a meaningful impact on our students, providing them with opportunities that enhance their learning experiences.”
~ Beth Hartz, Tori Gillan, and Janelle Moser on behalf of special education and the Garden Club.
The Inspiration Garden
This project turned a grassy area at the east end of Kutztown High School near the stadium into a place of inspiration and reflection for everyone who visits. This project includes a large mural and a small garden with information placards connecting you to local stories, quotes, photos, and more.
STEAM Fair
On March 28, 2025, the Kutztown Area School District, with generous support from the Kutztown Area School District Education Foundation, hosted its annual 5th Grade Science Fair and STEAM Fair. The event highlighted the creativity and curiosity of our young scientists as they presented their innovative science fair projects. In addition to the impressive displays, students, parents, and the community explored a variety of hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) stations designed to inspire learning through discovery and experimentation.
Seventeen enthusiastic 5th-grade students participated in this year’s Science Fair, showcasing a wide range of creative and thoughtful projects. Recognition was given in both individual and group categories, celebrating the hard work and scientific curiosity of these young minds.
The STEAM Fair offered a dynamic and interactive experience for attendees of all ages. From vibrant art displays and immersive virtual reality experiences to hands-on science demonstrations and detailed views through microscopes, the event brought science, technology, engineering, art, and math to life in exciting ways.
We’re excited to feature a firsthand perspective of the event from Nirvana Werst, a 7th-grade student whose engaging account captures the energy, creativity, and community spirit that made the 2025 STEAM and Science Fair so memorable.
Read the full article here: KAMS STEAM Fair and 5th Grade Science Fair of 2025
After reading Nirvana's thoughtful and engaging write-up and experiencing the energy of the STEAM Fair through the photos captured by Kathy Metrick and Steve Fenstermacher, we hope you join us in acknowledging the incredible talent, creativity, and hard work of our young participants. Their enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics is truly inspiring and a testament to the bright future ahead.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the 2025 STEAM and Science Fair such a resounding success. Your support and dedication continue to foster a love of learning in our community!
Imagination Library
Free books for kids! The KASD Education Foundation launched this program in November 2020. Through this program, we supply free books for children (ages 0-5) through the Imagination Library book gifting program. Each child living in the district who is enrolled in the program will receive one new book each month from birth up to their 5th birthday. Registrations are accepted year-around. To register your child to receive this free gift of literacy, simply go to www.imaginationlibrary.com, scroll down and click on the link that says “Can I Register My Child?” or click on the Sign-up button on the webpage.
Support-A-Scholar
This program began during the 2019-2020 school year when the school district created partnerships with Kutztown University and Reading Area Community College. Students taking dual enrollment courses receive discounted tuition and are able to focus on college-level material from KU and RACC. These credits are able to be transferred to many universities. The Education Foundation subsidizes a portion of the dual enrollment course tuition at the time of successful course completion.
The Kutztown Education Foundation Support-A-Scholar program for the 2022-2023 school year supported 24 students in a total of 37 courses. The Education Foundation subsidized a portion of the dual enrollment course tuition once the course was completed by the student. The students took advantage of courses such as Physics, Chemistry, Business, Public Speaking, and Writing at both Kutztown University (KU) and Reading Area Community College (RACC). The students will be able to transfer the credits to many universities helping them academically and financially for the future. Another way we are Improving Education Together.
Cougar Resilience Campaign
The Education Foundation, through the generosity of its donors, was able to boost the resilience of all employees of the Kutztown Area School District. The marquee at the Strand and a banner across Main St. proclaimed the community’s thanks for our hardworking educators. Some educators won prizes through a raffle, while all employees received gift cards from local restaurants. To say the employees were surprised and appreciative is definitely an understatement. See a sample of pictures and quotes.
Supportive Technology
Supporting technology initiatives in all grade levels has been a priority of the Foundation, beginning with the One-to-One laptop initiative, supported from its inception.
Technology equipment was purchased to assist students preparing History Day projects.
Through the years, computers, iPads, projectors, digital cameras, printers, software, and network upgrades were purchased to enhance the academic curriculum.
Renovation Projects
Funds were provided for the fencing around the high school athletic stadium.
Support was provided for the dedication of the high school “John Silan Gymnasium”.
