Local Schools Receive $6,000 Boost from Watertown Area Community Foundation
- Steve Jurrens
- May 15
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Area Community Foundation (WACF) is proving once again that the future of the community starts in the classroom. Through its annual Area School Partnership Program, the Foundation has awarded a total of $6,000 in grants to three local school districts, funding innovative projects that fall outside the lines of standard school budgets.
The 2026 grant cycle focuses heavily on a “whole-student” approach, spanning the spectrum from high-tech STEM equipment to creative arts and literacy incentives.
2026 Grant Recipients
This year’s funding has been distributed among three neighboring districts to bring specific, high-impact projects to life:
· Hamlin School ($2,500): Awarded for the purchase of the Sphero BOLT+ System. This investment brings cutting-edge, hands-on STEM exploration to the classroom, allowing students to dive deep into coding and robotics.
· Castlewood School District ($2,500): These funds will support the school’s Accelerated Reader program. By providing prizes and incentives, the district aims to gamify literacy and foster a genuine lifelong love for reading among students.
· Henry School District ($1,000): Directed toward the K–12 art program. This grant builds on a foundation laid last year, ensuring students have the supplies they need to express their creativity across all grade levels.
Investing in the Core of the Community
The Area School Partnership Program was established on the belief that a community is only as strong as its schools. By providing “seed money” for classroom enhancements like flexible seating, sensory-friendly tools, and advanced technology, the Foundation helps educators pivot to meet the evolving needs of modern students.
“Strong schools are at the heart of a strong community,” said Cammie Mengwasser, Executive Director of the Watertown Area Community Foundation. “Programs like this help support meaningful projects, but they also remind us how important it is to continue investing in our schools so students have every opportunity to succeed.”
A Legacy of Support
Over the years, the WACF has become a vital partner for area educators. While traditional budgets cover the essentials, these grants provide the “extras” that often define a student’s favorite subject or career path—whether that is a first encounter with a robot or the inspiration found in a new set of oil pastels.
