Barona awards $5,000 grant to school

Ramona Community School students and staff surrounded representatives of the Barona Band of Mission Indians and California Sen. Dennis Hollingsworth to witness the presentation of a $5,000 grant from the Barona tribe to the school.

As schools across the state wrestle with budget cuts, the Barona Band of Mission Indians has been helping to lessen the blow with its Barona Education Grant Program. Since 2006, Barona has given more than $635,000 to more than 130 schools statewide.

Ramona Community School was chosen for a grant based on an application process and the endorsement of District 36 Sen. Hollingsworth. Ramona is among communities in District 36. The school offers two alternative education programs — Montessori Academy and Mountain Valley Academy — and will use the grant money to purchase science technology and materials such as a portable fume hood with a Bunsen burner, a microscope complete with a video camera and adaptors, and chemical and consumable materials.

The Barona Education Grant Program is the first of its kind in California created and administrered by an Indian tribe. The goal of the program is to create strong educational opportunities for the chidren of California, building on the success of the Barona Indian Charter School, one of the top ranked elementary schools in the state in test score achievement.

Through the endorsement of locally elected state representatives, schools throughout California may apply for funding for supplies and materials that promote academic improvement. Each grant awarded by the Barona Grant Program is $5,000.

Applications for grants are online at barona-nsn.gov/education/education.html.