Empowering Educators & Inspiring Students Through Summer Grants

In the fall issue 2024 of “Graland Today,” we explored how summer grants are a key element of Graland’s strategic plan. Funded generously by the Borgen Family, these grants empower educators to design transformative learning experiences that spark student interest and foster a love of learning. Featured in the issue were three exciting initiatives resulting from these grants: the school-wide digital wellness initiative, the Grade 4 Geocaching Trip, and the Grades 7/8 Theater Company. Continue reading to learn more.
What Are Summer Grants?
Graland’s Summer Grant Program provides educators with the opportunity to explore and implement innovative classroom practices that enhance student experiences. Teachers work together to submit proposals for ideas they wish to develop during the summer months. The grant compensates them for their work, allowing for reflection, exploration, and thoughtful planning as they prepare their projects for launch in the fall. This program offers essential time for project development, enabling teachers to craft impactful learning opportunities that reflect Graland’s commitment to educational excellence. Since its inception in 2012, the program has encouraged collaboration across divisions, promoting a lively exchange of ideas among educators. This spirit enriches the curriculum and supports professional growth, ultimately nurturing a culture of creativity and discovery at Graland, benefiting both educators and students alike.

How Summer Grants Support Graland’s Strategic Plan
Summer grants support the inspire students and empower educators components of the strategic plan. This program provides teachers with the resources and dedicated time to innovate and collaborate, enabling them to create engaging learning opportunities that ignite students’ curiosity and passion for knowledge. By supporting educators in their professional growth, summer grants cultivate an environment where teachers feel empowered to experiment with new ideas and approaches. This, in turn, leads to more dynamic classrooms that captivate students’ interests and inspire deeper exploration. 

Philanthropic Leadership from the Borgen Family
The Borgen Family has been instrumental in supporting educators, starting with the Borgen Faculty Fellow Endowment established during the ASCEND Campaign and later, transitioning their focus to grow the Summer Grant Program. Their philanthropic leadership is vital in making these initiatives possible, enabling us to invest in our educators and enrich the educational journey for every student. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Borgen Family for their unwavering support and commitment to fostering a vibrant teaching and learning community at Graland. 

2024 Summer Grants
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Graland Country Day School

Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.