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21st Century Skills & Learning


Providing 21st century skills & learning

The Foundation believes that every child within Lawrence Township Schools deserves the opportunity to be their best. So we must ensure that every child receives the appropriate training and tools he or she needs for learning and success.

Experts agree that American higher education must better adapt itself to the knowledge economy. Today’s rapidly-changing and increasingly-global economy means that tomorrow’s workforce will utilize different skillsets than prior generations. Enhanced communication, problem-solving and collaboration skills will be needed to succeed in a knowledge-based economy. And most “middle-class” jobs—those which ensure a good quality of life—are becoming less and less attainable without education or training beyond high school.

The Foundation funds opportunities and programs designed to inspire creativity and innovation while building skills that prepare children to succeed in school and beyond.

Creative Classroom Grants

This Lawrence Township School Foundation program provides funding for creative and innovative projects that would otherwise not be supported by tax dollars. Creative Classroom Grants can be awarded to individuals or classrooms; schools; and multi-school departments or grade levels. And any M.S.D. of Lawrence Township teacher, teacher group, school personnel, administrators, students or parents are eligible to apply. 

When the Foundation was established in 1983, Creative Classroom Grants were its primary focus with a total of $17,884 awarded that year. To date, the Foundation has awarded a total of more than $800,000 to fund projects that empower kids to be their best—tapping into their creativity, imagination and innovation. Learn more about the criteria for Creative Classroom Grants and see the list of grants awarded.

Kids Up & Running

The Foundation supports Kids Up & Running, an after school running club that increases fitness awareness among students and their parents. Challenging students to experience the benefits of goal-setting, character development, adult mentoring and improved health, Kids Up & Running provides them with a true life-changing experience. The ultimate goal is to train three days a week to compete in a 5K run or a half marathon.

  • Participating students exhibited more self-confidence after completing the program.
  • More than 500 participated in the Jingle Bell Run on December 10, 2011.
  • More than 700 Lawrence Township Runners participated in the Geist Half Marathon on May 20, 2011.

The Geist Half Marathon is a significant partner in the Kids Up & Running program, as well as donating more than $70,000 to health and wellness programs in Lawrence Township Schools. For more information on the Up & Running Program and how you and your children can participate in the program, contact Sandi Ballard at 317.423.8300 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).