Chandler Education Foundation Gila River Indian Community Grant Briefing.docx
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Tribal Gaming Community Application Briefing Non-Profit Submission Tribal Gaming Community Applying To: Gila River Indian Community Name of the Non-profit Organization Chandler Education Foundation Does the Non-profit Organization have IRS Tax-Exempt Status? Yes Contact Information Jen Hewitt hewitt.jennifer@cusd80.com (480) 224-3031 Application Priority Areas Education Title of the Project Culturally Grounded After-School Enrichment Chandler Unified POW WOW Amount Intended to Request $130,000 Purpose of the Grant The purpose of this grant is to support Native American students in Chandler Unified School District through sustained, culturally responsive educational enrichment and community-based cultural engagement. Grant funding will provide weekly, full–academic-year after-school enrichment programs at Hancock Elementary School, Bogle Junior High School, and Hamilton High School, serving an estimated 20–30 Native American students per school per year, or approximately 60–90 students annually. Over the three-year grant period, the project is expected to support up to 180 unduplicated Native American students through consistent academic, cultural, and leadership programming. In addition, the grant will fully fund the Chandler Unified POW WOW for three years, a districtwide cultural event expected to reach 200–300 students, family members, and community participants each year. Together, these efforts provide Native American students with academic support, culturally affirming learning experiences, leadership development opportunities, and meaningful community connection, strengthening educational engagement and promoting long-term student success. Project Summary This project is a new, districtwide K–12 initiative designed to support Native American students in Chandler Unified School District through culturally responsive educational enrichment and community-based cultural celebration. The program will serve approximately 180 students annually in all three schools, recognizing the importance of consistent academic, cultural, and social-emotional support throughout a student’s educational experience. The project includes weekly, full–academic-year after-school enrichment programs at Hancock Elementary School, Bogle Junior High School, and Hamilton High School. These programs are designed specifically to meet the needs of Native American students by integrating Indigenous cultural education, academic support, and leadership development. Students participate in activities that reinforce classroom learning, strengthen cultural identity, and build confidence and leadership skills in a supportive, culturally affirming environment. In addition to school-based enrichment, the project includes the Chandler Unified POW WOW, a one-day districtwide cultural event held annually in April. The POW WOW will bring together Native American students, families, educators, and community members to celebrate Indigenous culture through traditional drumming, dancing, storytelling, and educational activities. This one-day event will serve as a visible cultural anchor within the district, providing students with an opportunity to connect with their heritage, celebrate identity, and strengthen community connections. Together, the after-school enrichment programs and the annual POW WOW address identified gaps in culturally responsive educational opportunities for Native American students. By combining consistent school-based support with a meaningful community celebration, this K–12 project promotes academic engagement, cultural pride, and positive youth development while fostering greater understanding and inclusion across the broader school community. Impact on the City of Chandler This project is a new, districtwide K–12 initiative designed to support Native American students in Chandler Unified School District through culturally responsive educational enrichment and community-based cultural celebration. In addition, the grant will fully fund the Chandler Unified POW WOW for three years, a districtwide cultural event expected to reach 200–300 students, family members, and community participants each year. The program will serve approximately 180 students annually in all three schools, recognizing the importance of consistent academic, cultural, and social-emotional support throughout a student’s educational experience. Address of Non-profit Organization the City of Chandler will Send the Tribal Community Grant Payment Chandler Education Foundation 1851 East Queen Creek Road Gilbert, Arizona. 85297 Contact Name for Receipt of Payment Jen Hewitt