Announcing the 2024 Classroom Makeover Recipients
This year, we awarded nearly $42,000 to three inspiring educators (selected from over 7,000 public votes!) through our inaugural Classroom Makeover program. These grants—worth up to $15,000 each—will bring transformative improvements to learning spaces across Oregon.
Read on to learn about the three visionary projects that captured our community’s imagination and support.
And the winners are…
Caldera High School, Bend
Makerspace Lab
Awarded $15,000, the Makerspace Lab is the manufacturing hub for the school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, where students gain hands-on experience in engineering and manufacturing through project-based learning.
The Classroom Makeover funds will:
- Complete a Ski and Snowboard Design and Manufacturing Lab by funding the cost of electrical work, new tools, and storage solutions.
- Expand the Bike Repair and Maintenance Shop with new storage solutions, industry-quality equipment and tooling, and power and compressed air tie-in modifications.
- Broaden educational opportunities by giving access to cutting-edge tools and technology, and supporting skills that prepare students for careers in engineering, manufacturing, and beyond.
“Our vision is to provide students access to industry-identified tools and technology, as well as a space to design and create, all while learning important concepts and skills that will serve them in industry, employment, and life,” said Gavin Meyers, Caldera’s engineering, architecture, and graphic design teacher.
Jefferson Elementary School, Jefferson
Music Classroom
Awarded nearly $12,000, Jefferson Elementary School’s music classroom is a vital resource for students in this small, rural community, where many students come from low-income families or are English-language learners. The program enriches their education by exposing students to music from different cultures, time periods, and playing techniques.
The Classroom Makeover funds will invest in:
- New seating and risers to improve comfort and engagement during music classes and performances.
- A performance stage, where students will showcase their talents in a professional setting, enhancing their confidence and public-speaking skills.
- Program expansion, enabling the school to continue its mission of providing equitable access to enriching educational experiences.
“These students benefit greatly from our already strong elementary music program since they are given access and exposure to many experiences not available elsewhere,” said Kevin Lake, Jefferson Elementary’s music teacher.
Prairie Mountain School, Eugene
Inclusive Playground
Prairie Mountain Elementary School’s inclusive playground project aims to create a play space where all children can feel represented and included.
With the Classroom Makeover funds, the school will:
- Add a bouldering climbing tunnel to provide a sensory-rich experience that engages students in a new way.
- Install adaptive swing sets, ensuring students with mobility challenges can join in the fun.
- Add balance platforms, aka “The Surfer," expanding opportunities for physical development and playful exploration.
“School playgrounds are important places for children to get out energy, socialize, move their bodies, and learn,” said Amanda Zacharek, the teacher leading the project. “With $15,000, our school can begin to create the playground space all children deserve.”
How else is SELCO stepping up?
Classroom Makeovers are just one of the ways SELCO supports our communities. Through the SELCO Steps Up program, we're partnering with others to create positive, innovative, and lasting change.