The Nathan Yip Foundation has announced that $200,000 was awarded to 18 rural Colorado schools and districts to create and implement classroom projects that will have a positive impact on their students and classrooms.

Grants awarded include: 

• San Juan Mountain School in Pagosa Springs - $27,690 for a greenhouse to use in multiple subject areas.
• Delta County Schools and Canon City Schools - $20,000 in conjunction with Good Natured Learning to train district teachers to provide training districtwide for nature-based learning
• Olathe Middle-High School - $16,000 to provide safer and newer equipment to encourage more students and families to participate in a variety of activities including climbing, soccer and weight training.
• Bennett School District - $15,000 for firefighting gear and equipment for the Fire Science Pathways program.
• Ridgway Schools - $11,649 for equipment for STEM courses
• Dolores School District - $11,250 for alternative seating districtwide for neuro-diverse students. 
• Hotchkiss K-8 - $10,500 for the development of a STEM & arts integration program.
• Mancos School District - $10,000 for supplies/equipment for the Drone Aviation Pathway program.
• Sierra Grande School District - $10,000 for home visits.
• Ute Mountain Ute Tribe - $10,000 for a middle school youth summer cultural camp.
• Woodlin School District - $10,000 for increased STEM programming K-12.
• Paonia K-8 - $8,670 for a comprehensive Aquatic Ecology program.
• Agate School District - $8,200 for a jointer and pro cabinet saw for industrial arts.
• East Grand School District - $8,000 for an industrial saw stop table saw for Middle Park High School.
• Pagosa Springs High School - $8,000 for a 3D printer and laser cutter.
• North Fork Montessori School - $7,270 for a STEAM lab.
• North Fork School of Integrated Studies - $5,646 to purchase low-strings instruments for sound sensitive neuro-divergent students.
• Eads High School - $2,500 for technology upgrades in the science classroom.

The Nathan Yip Foundation was established 22 years ago in honor of Nathan Yip, the only son of Jimmy and Linda Yip after he died in a car accident.

The Foundation has supported rural schools internationally for many years, but in 2016 shifted its focus and funding to rural schools in Colorado, to help close the opportunity gap between rural and urban schools in Colorado.

Funds are raised through special events, including one of the largest Chinese New Year’s celebrations in the Denver Metro Area - the Nathan Yip Foundation Chinese New Year Gala, as well as through individual donations.

Rural and small rural schools and districts submit grant requests in the spring and the schools listed were awarded funds for the 2023 Rural Schools Grant Cycle. 

With this $200,000 in donations, the Foundation is close to reaching $1,000,000 in funding given to rural Colorado Schools over the past seven years.