Three Oregon Classrooms Get Makeovers Thanks to SELCO Community Credit Union

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on December 20, 2024

Prairie Mountain School in Eugene, Ore.

A hands-on workshop space at Caldera High School in Bend, a music room at Jefferson Elementary School in Jefferson, and an inclusive playground space at Prairie Mountain School in Eugene are the first-ever recipients of SELCO Community Credit Union’s regional Classroom Makeover program. The three winners – one each from Central and Eastern Oregon, Northwestern Oregon, and Southwestern Oregon – will receive as much as $15,000 apiece to transform their learning spaces.

Three recipients were selected from a public online vote of nine finalists.

Central and Eastern Oregon: $15,000 to finish the build-out and expansion of the Makerspace Lab at Caldera High School in Bend, including storage solutions, compressed air tie-in modifications, quality tools, and equipment to work on bikes. Submitted by Gavin Meyers.

Northwestern Oregon: $11,700 to transform a music classroom at Jefferson Elementary School in Jefferson, adding seats, risers, and performing stages for everyday learning and special performances. Submitted by Kevin Lake.

Southwestern Oregon: $15,000 to create an inclusive playground at Prairie Mountain School in Eugene, with many types of accessible play equipment for every child. Submitted by Amanda Zacharek.

Jefferson Elementary School in Jefferson, Ore.

The Classroom Makeover program is part of the SELCO Steps Up initiative that launched earlier this year. One of the key goals for SELCO Steps Up is to introduce new programs in response to the changing community needs. One such need was additional financial support for educators, who often dip into their pockets each school year to make even modest classroom improvements. For this program, SELCO defined “Classroom” as any school learning space, including traditional classrooms, libraries, gymnasiums, and outdoor spaces.

With applications arriving from across the state for a wide array of project ideas, the response from educators underscored this funding need.

“SELCO is committed to supporting transformative classroom experiences, and these makeovers will create accessible and inclusive learning spaces that will inspire a generation of students,” said Olivia Sorensen, Senior Community Development Specialist for SELCO. “We are thrilled with the results of the inaugural year of this program and hope these makeovers galvanize even more educators to share their classroom visions.”

Caldera High School in Bend, Ore.

The three grants will be used for substantial upgrades to each of the learning spaces. For instance, Caldera High’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program will use the funding to finish two Central Oregon-oriented learning labs – ski/snowboard design and manufacturing, and bicycle maintenance and repair – within its Makerspace Lab.

“The mission of our CTE department is to develop citizens with the necessary skills, attitudes, and tools to be successful and be positive contributors to our communities,” wrote Gavin Meyers, Caldera’s engineering, architecture, and graphic design teacher, in his Classroom Makeover application. “With the support of this grant, we will be one step closer to achieving our goal.”

For more information about SELCO Steps Up student and educator support programs, visit www.selco.org/steps-up/student-and-educator-support/.

Posted in Across the Region, Community Impact, Oregon.