ExCel grant applications now available

ExCel Endowment Fund grant applications are available online at the Decorah Community School District's website at www.decorah.k12.ia.us for students in grades 6-11.  Click the "Foundation" link on the home page or click the "Scholarships" link under the District Info heading, and go to the second entry listed under "Our Programs" to access the application.  This year students will be able to fill out their application on their computer, but will need to print it off to obtain the required signatures before turning it in to the district's central office.
 
ExCel is an arm of the Decorah Community School District Foundation.  It awards grants to students who are pursuing summer opportunities.  Depending on funding availability, priority is given to students attending programs in academic and technical fields, followed by those in fine arts.  Students currently in grades 6 through 11 and enrolled in the Decorah schools are eligible.  This includes students who are home-schooled but supervised by the DCS and students enrolled in St. Benedict Elementary School.  
 
A donation from the Marion E. Jerome Foundation will allow the ExCel
committee to help fund a greater than usual number of applicants.  Students are encouraged to "think outside the box" and look for academic and technical programs that they think would be interesting and challenging to them.
 
Current 6th through 11th grade students are invited to view the program
criteria and application online.  Completed applications must be returned to the Central Administrative Office by Tuesday, April 30th.  Awards will be announced by Friday, May 3rd.  Questions may be directed to Peggy Beatty at 382-2574 or pjhbeatty@gmail.com.  Anyone interested in making a donation to the ExCel fund may also contact Beatty.
 
 
PHOTO CAPTION: Students receiving ExCel grants in 2012 included: (1st row) Maddie Grimm, Claire Breitenstein, Hannah Bernatz. (2nd row)  Aidan Spencer-Berg, Lydia Hayes, Naomi Davidson, Kalle Solberg. (3rd row)  Sam Iverson, Mitch Burggraf, Kyle Hosting, Paul Sullivan.