OLEAN, N.Y. — The Wolfinger Family Donor Advised Fund at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation recently provided $4,607 in grants to area school districts to provide for special projects and educational enrichment programming.
The Wolfinger Family Fund was established in 2019 by Connie and Harold “Sandy” Wolfinger to provide annual support for educational programming and enrichment opportunities for area students.
The Smethport Area School District received $1,000: $500 each for the Smethport DECA Field Trip Fund and the PA Elk Restoration Unit and Wildlife Comparative Anatomy & Classification.
The DECA Field Trip Fund allowed Smethport students to travel to the Pennsylvania State Career Development Conference in Hershey in February. These students were awarded the opportunity to compete among 3,500 students and grow in their chosen areas of business, entrepreneurship and hospitality.
The PA Elk Restoration Unit and Wildlife Comparative Anatomy & Classification aims to teach students in grades 9 through 12 about watersheds, streams, fish species, Pennsylvania mammals, ecosystems, fishing, hunting and the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Additional funds for this project will go toward a trip to the Elk County Visitors Center, where there is an educational program related to the reintroduction of elk into Pennsylvania.
Coudersport Area School District also received two grants: $500 for the Challenger Learning Center Trip and $500 for CO2 laser engraving and CNC project consumables.
On the Challenger Learning Center field trip, students can explore 21st century occupations and science standards through space-themed, STEAM-based activities while developing their communication and teamwork skills.
The CO2 laser engraving and CNC project consumables will benefit Coudersport students in grades seven through 12 by providing them with consumables to create and manufacture projects in the STEM Lab, sports teams, clubs and the community.
Northern Potter School District received $1,000 for the Building Connections Around the World project.
The Building Connections Around the World project used the grant to purchase Lego sets of famous landmarks around the globe. This initiative aims to increase students’ interest in world travel by building replicas of landmarks themselves.
Donations can be made to the Wolfinger Family Donor Advised Fund at CRCF, 301 N. Union St., Olean, NY 14760 or online at cattfoundation.org.
Grants from the foundation support many areas, including education, scholarships, health care, the arts, community development, human service and youth development. To learn more, call (716) 301-CRCF (2723), email foundation@cattfoundation.org, or visit online at www.cattfoundation.org.
