We are thrilled to announce our 2024 North Coast Builders Exchange Teacher Grants awards. The NCBE Teacher Grant Program is aimed at supporting shop class teachers in Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake, and Napa counties. This initiative, made possible through a generous lead matching gift from Redwood Credit Union, has raised a total of $23,500 to enhance educational experiences for students.
The heart of this program lies in recognizing the invaluable contribution of shop class teachers who play a pivotal role in shaping the skills and future of our students. Thanks to the collaboration with Redwood Credit Union, North Coast Builders Exchange has been able to provide grants to 14 deserving teachers, empowering them to create enriching learning environments.
The grants, totaling $23,500, will not only benefit the teachers but will directly impact the students in these counties, fostering a hands-on and practical approach to learning. The funds will be utilized to enhance shop class resources, provide necessary materials, and facilitate innovative projects that inspire and educate.
In a strategic move to further amplify the impact of these grants, North Coast Builders Exchange has established credit accounts at reputable suppliers. Mead Clark Lumber, Friedmans Home Improvement, Healdsburg Lumber, Central Valley Building Supply, Kelseyville Lumber, Mount Storm Forest Products, and Rossi’s Building Supply are among the selected partners, ensuring that the funds are efficiently utilized to procure high-quality materials.
This initiative reflects North Coast Builders Exchange’s commitment to promoting excellence in education, fostering skill development, and strengthening the connection between the industry and the community. By investing in our teachers, we invest in the future of our students and the growth of our communities. The following is a list of 2024 Teacher Grant Recipients:
- Michael Zeni, Kelseyville High School (Lake County)
- Kevin McCammon, Point Arena High School (Mendocino County)
- Taimi Barty, Mendocino High School (Mendocino County)
- Erik Perry, Calistoga Junior Senior High School (Napa County)
- Clay Pafford, Analy High School (Sonoma County)
- Cole Smith, Rancho Cotate High School (Sonoma County)
- James Arseneau, Rancho Cotate High School (Sonoma County)
- Jason Castro, Roseland Collegiate Prep (Sonoma County)
- John Williams, Piner High School (Sonoma County)
- Kyle Desideri, Herbert Slater Middle School (Sonoma County)
- Matt O’Donnell, Santa Rosa High School (Sonoma County)
- Robert Hanni, Windsor High School (Sonoma County)
- Todd Sheehy, Healdsburg High School (Sonoma County)
- Zeke Gifford, Montgomery High School (Sonoma County)
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Redwood Credit Union for their lead matching gift, which has been instrumental in making these grants possible and to all of our amazing members who donated to our Teacher Grants Program. Together, we are shaping a brighter future through education and empowerment.
Stay tuned for updates on the impactful projects and inspiring stories that will emerge from the classrooms of the dedicated shop class teachers who are now equipped with the resources to make a lasting difference in the lives of their students.