Crosby-Ironton Public Schools Foundation

Crosby-Ironton Public Schools Foundation - Doing Business as Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation

The Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation (CLEF) was established by Dr. Gary Grittner, a 1963 C-I graduate with the idea to build an initial fund whose interest proceeds would enrich educational opportunities at C-I for years to come. The past several decades have been tough for small communities, like ours, with the loss of mining, agricultural, manufacturing and other jobs coupled with “the great recession”. School funding has suffered. We need your help to build up this fund and keep the grants ongoing. CLEF is an organization of volunteers created to enhance the success and well-being of students in the C-I Public School. We believe a non-governmental organization run by community volunteers is an effective tool to enhance educational opportunities. Resources which support the schools also serve to improve the desirability of the community for employers and the overall viability of the community. 

CLEF grants benefit our kids and community. Innovative educational programs are made possible through classroom or school wide grants that serve students in the ISD 182 geographic area. These grants support programs which would otherwise not be funded.

Our process begins when educators submit grant applications. After rigorous board review, funds are made available through the foundation to support these essential activities.

Some Classroom grants funded During the 2016-2017 School Year:

1. All 5th Grade students attended the Deep Portage Learning Center. CLEF, along with others provided support for this outdoor learning center focusing on hands-on math and science concepts..

2. 7th grade students participated in the Wilderness Inquiry Initiative canoemobile event which involves team building that addresses respect, responsibility and teamwork.

3. 9th graders took a class trip to see A Raisin in the Sun at the Park Square Theater..

4. CLEF provided a $2,000 grant in support of the first Ranger Robotics Team to compete in the Minnesota State HS League Robotics competition. 

5. CLEF supported the elementary school technology program by purchasing a magnetic wall, arduinos circuit boards, and a 3D printer. 

6. Provided for a butterfly science project for the 2nd graders. 

The real question is, “Can I do more than I do today to support educational programs that are so valuable to our community?” As the above instances demonstrate, there are benefits to our schools and students that perhaps you may have not previously considered. We are working hand in hand with the Initiative Foundation. They are a fund raising facilitator that works with several 501©(3) non-profit organizations in Central Minnesota. 

Be assured that 100% of all contributions received will be utilized by CLEF to support programs that enhance ISD 182 education and that these donations are tax deductible.

We rely entirely on your generosity. You can make a difference in the lives of ISD 182 students by providing enriching opportunities that would not otherwise be available.