Buddy Program, Reading Boosters, Access to Opportunity, Learning Grants

The Board of Directors strives to balance its investments in academics, cultural activities, community projects and athletics. A sampling of some of the funded projects follows.

Reading Booster Program
The Reading Booster Program allows over 200 first, second, third & fourth graders students to attend sessions over the summer in which they receive additional help in reading. Choosing the 3-week session that best fit their family’s schedule, each student works with a reading specialist, in small-group settings, in all areas of reading and writing. One parent commented, "This is the most important program that CV has made available to students in my 12 years in the system."

Participation in the Reading Booster Program is by invitation. Each year, District reading teachers identify students who could benefit from additional help with their reading and writing skills.

Access to Opportunity
The Foundation supplies classroom and personal care needs for students and includes household items for families. The Foundation also coordinates with the CVHS Counseling and Career Center to take first generation college-bound students on local college visits.

Learning Grants
Each spring and fall, the Eagle Foundation seeks proposals from District professional staff as well as advisors and coaches of school District sanctioned clubs for an innovative student project. All applications are reviewed with more favorable consideration likely for projects or activities that:

· would not typically be funded from other sources such as departmental or professional development

· are cost effective with regards to the number of students and faculty benefited

· result in a continuing impact on teaching and learning and on-going efforts, e.g., seed grants

While grants may be up to $1,000 for noteworthy projects, typical awards are less than $500. Since the program began in 2002, grants with a total value of over $380,000 have been awarded.

At the bottom of this page, there is a button to click to see examples of approved grant applications.


Thank you to our Learning Grant sponsor:
RED & WHITE SPONSOR
Lobar Construction Services, Inc.


Mentoring Program (a.k.a. Buddy Program)
Children experience the most growth when they are with people who are positive and who show an interest in what they think and how they feel. This basic concept is the premise for initiating the Mentoring Program. The program’s goal is to provide hands-on modeling of positive attitudes, work ethic, and problem solving for youngsters in grades five through eight. 

Participating students are matched with current college students who have a demonstrated track record and serve as a positive role model. These students and graduates spend six weeks together over the summer participating in planned activities including performing community service, team-building activities and educational trips. 

Participation in the program is by invitation. District guidance counselors recommend students who will benefit from a positive mentoring experience. See below for Big Buddy Application.

Application Deadlines:

  • Priority Deadline: December 12th, 2025

  • Final Deadline: March 6th, 2026

Make a Difference. Gain Experience. Get Paid.

Are you a college student looking for a meaningful, paid summer work experience where you can build leadership skills, mentor young students, and make a real impact in your community?

The Eagle Foundation’s Buddy Program is hiring college students to serve as Big Buddies (mentors) in our 6-week summer program, helping local middle school students (grades 5–8) build confidence, relationships, and self-advocacy skills through fun and engaging activities.

What You’ll Do:

  • Mentor a middle school student one-on-one throughout the summer

  • Lead and participate in group activities like team-building games, outdoor adventures, community service projects, and more

  • Serve as a positive role model and support system for a young person navigating life challenges

  • Gain hands-on experience in youth development, education, social services, and leadership.

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Get paid: Starting at $14.50/hour, $15.00 for returning mentors

  • Reimbursed mileage: We’ll cover your transportation costs for student pick-up/drop-off at the IRS mileage rate

  • Valuable experience: Perfect for majors in education, psychology, social work, or anyone interested in helping youth

  • Make a lasting impact on the life of a student and your own

Program Dates:

  • Training: June 3 & 4, 2026 (mandatory)

  • Program: June 8 – July 17, 2026
    (Weekdays, approx. 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., with July 3rd off)

Requirements:

  • Currently enrolled in college (must have completed at least 1 year or 24 credits by summer 2026)

  • Passion for working with kids, being a positive influence, and having fun while doing it

  • Willingness to be present, engaged, and supportive throughout the entire program.

Important Note: The application requires 3 references (names and contact info), so please have those ready before you begin.

Priority applicants will have an interview scheduled the first week of January and will be notified by January 30th of their application status. Final deadline applicants will be notified of their application status by April 10th, 2026.

Questions?

Contact: Bobbi Jo Gabrielson
📧 bgabrielson@cvschools.org

📞 (717) 697-8261 ext. 13351

picture of students