The 21st Century Fund brings student dreams to life

FALLS VILLAGE — The 21st Century Fund for Housatonic Valley Regional High School (HVRHS) is now in its 25th year of providing support for projects and activities “that are not in the normal school budget” for HVRHS, fund Chairman David Bayersdorfer said in an interview at the Mahoney-Hewat Science and Technology Center on Thursday, Feb. 7.

The fund has provided 116 grants for a total of $212,000, in amounts ranging from $200 to $3,000.

Grants have been used to fund the robotics team, trips, conferences, equipment for the physical education department, digital cameras for the art department, not to mention the renovation of the building that became the Sci-Tech Center.

“It’s typical of the Northwest Corner. Someone has a great idea and people not only work to make it happen but also provide the money to make it happen,” said Bayersdorfer.

The grant application process is not cumbersome. To apply for a grant, a student should first  talk to Outreach Director Nancy Hegy Martin or to an HVRHS teacher.

Bayersdorfer encouraged parents in turn to encourage their children to ask for grants.

“The process is not that difficult,” and Martin will work with the student on the application.

“We don’t say ‘no’ very often,” added Bayersdorfer.

Donors can give either to the fund directly, or to the endowment, which is managed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

For more information go to www.21stcenturyfund.net or email 21stcenturyfund@gmail.com.

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