Contact: Rick Uhlmann
Sr. Manager, Media Relations
rick.uhlmann@cunamutual.com
608.513.7413
Class Acts Community Impact Awards Encourage Creativity, Reward Community Spirit
MADISON – CUNA Mutual Foundation, today, kicked off a monthly recognition program that will give Madison elementary and middle school students extra incentive to make a difference beyond their classroom.
Class Acts Community Impact Awards empowers students to find creative solutions to community challenges and rewards them for their efforts. The program, which aims to help build bridges between schools and the community, is sponsored by CUNA Mutual, in partnership with the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools and the Madison Metropolitan School District.
Class Acts Community Impact Awards provides monthly gifts of $500 to qualified Madison public and private elementary and middle school classes and initiatives that address community issues and make a positive and lasting impact on the quality of life. Class Acts recognizes student programs, which go beyond the classroom curriculum; take a fresh look at community issues; and offer a creative and sustainable way for students to increase their understanding of, and improve, the lives of their neighbors. Its goal is to encourage creativity and reward community spirit.
“Students across Madison are involved in school projects that reach out and make a difference in their communities, while keeping Madison a great place to live. Our desire is that Class Acts will provide not only the funds these dedicated students and teachers need to achieve their goals, but also the recognition they deserve for their efforts,” said Steve Goldberg, executive director, CUNA Mutual Foundation. “CUNA Mutual is proud to reward that commitment to civic responsibility through the Class Acts Community Impact Awards.”
Monthly recipients will be class-based initiatives that demonstrate an innovative, creative, courageous or bold approach to addressing a pressing community issue. Project topics may include initiatives that show a spirit of diversity; increase an understanding of cultural, economic and demographic differences; encourage interaction with, and support for, vulnerable members of the community; or enhance educational opportunities for students, while creating a positive impact on the larger community. Class Acts rewards innovative programs and helps them achieve their full potential.
Elementary and middle school classes in any Madison public or private school are eligible to apply for a Class Acts award. Applications must be made by an educator or other professional on behalf of a class initiative and are accepted throughout the school year. A panel will judge qualified applications based on program criteria and determine monthly awards. Winning projects are selected by CUNA Mutual, in partnership with the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools and the Madison Metropolitan School District. The Class Acts online application form can be found at http://www.facebook.com/cuna.mutual.foundation
“Class Acts is exactly the kind of partnership and commitment that will inspire students and benefit our community,” said Jane Belmore, interim superintendent, Madison Metropolitan School District. “It is also a great reminder that education is as much about creating thinking, caring people, as it is about making sure they can pass tests. These awards will recognize teachers and students who are doing just that in our schools.”
Class Acts is an outgrowth of CUNA Mutual’s long-standing dedication to serving and empowering diverse children and young people by supporting initiatives that create a sustainable and significant difference in the lives of children, their families and their communities. For more than 75 years, CUNA Mutual has supported programs that benefit local children or youth, especially children at risk. CUNA Mutual is a continuing and committed supporter of KinderReady, the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools’ Adopt-a-School program, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County, Boys and Girls Club of Dane County and Madison Children’s Museum, among other organizations.
