The foundation

was established nearly two years ago as a partnership between the Fayette

County School System and the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce to help

fund innovative projects and ideas for the county's classrooms where no

other funding was available. Thanks to the generosity of business leaders

and school personnel, in 2002 the foundation distributed its first mini-grant

awards to 26 teachers totaling approximately $10,500. Throughout the county,

a total of 51 grant applications were submitted with a combined value

of $23,000.

The goal of

the foundation for 2003 is to be able to fund all grant requests that

are submitted. Teachers can apply for grants in the areas of reading,

technology and general academics. Grant recipients are given specific

standards and timelines for their projects. Educators receiving funding

must submit a written report describing how the funded program enhanced

classroom learning.

Grant applications

for 2003 will be solicited after the beginning of the calendar year. Donations

are still needed by the foundation to help fund the larger number of grant

requests expected for the next grant cycle.

Anyone wishing

to make a donation can mail it to the Fayette County Education Foundation,

LaFayette Educational Center, 205 LaFayette Avenue, Building D, Fayetteville,

GA 30214. For more information about the foundation, call 770-460-3990,

ext. 135.