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PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The Fiesta Sports Foundation has opened applications for its 11th annual Wishes for Teachers program, which will award grants to Arizona teachers.
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The foundation is giving away $1.75 million to support Arizona teachers and students this year. Public or charter K-12 teachers can apply.
This year, 500 teachers will each receive a $2,500 grant for their classroom.
Past winner used grant for fitness equipment
Wendy Ramos teaches physical education at Washington High School and has done so for nearly 30 years.
Ramos used grant money from the program to buy fitness equipment and heart rate monitors. She said those items have been used by the more than 200 freshman girls she teaches.
Teachers can apply every year. Ramos has applied multiple times and has won three times. She is applying again this year!
“Honestly, this is probably the absolute easiest thing I’ve ever done as far as a grant is concerned. I’ve written quite a few, and this one is 15 minutes max,” Ramos said.
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Foundation cites need to support education
Kristina Chumpol, chief impact officer and chief of staff for the Fiesta Sports Foundation, said the program is a way for the organization to support education in Arizona.
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“These teachers need our support. Education in the state of Arizona, it needs some support. So, this program is a way for Fiesta to be able to show up, really put in action what we mean when we say we are supporting education,” Chumpol said.
Ramos said teachers who want to make changes in their classrooms should apply.
“If you really are somebody that wants to see that happen, you know, you should definitely apply. You want to create a book corner. You want to create whatever it is you want to see happen that you know you can’t do. A lot of us pay for it ourselves, and sometimes even that becomes unfeasible anymore. So, this is a great way to make that happen,” Ramos explained.
How to apply
Public and charter K-12 school teachers in Arizona have until the end of September to apply. The program selects winners through a lottery.
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