Edward E. Ford Foundation Awards $50K Grant to CBA

After a rigorous application process, CBA will receive a matching-grant to expand the MAKE CBA Entrepreneurship Program & Makerspace initiative. The 2-to-1 match will generate $150,000 to support the continued development of the program.

The Edward E. Ford Foundation is a prestigious national granting organization that specifically supports programs developed by members belonging to the National Association of Independent Schools.  John C. Gulla, Executive Director of the foundation, personally visited CBA in March as part of the application process.  While many NAIS schools from throughout the U.S. inquire each year, only 20-25 are invited to apply in each grant-making cycle.

In 2015 CBA launched MAKE CBA, a year-long program that was developed collaboratively with Junior Achievement, the 757 Makerspace and MakerMex Industries. MAKE CBA includes hands-on, interactive sessions and mentoring by CBA faculty and seasoned entrepreneurs. The program focuses on design-thinking and creates an intellectual environment in which students who are differently-abled can “think outside of the box” and explore learning in ways that are better suited to their learning styles. Students build their knowledge in science, math, technology and business while embracing core competencies connected to the 6 C’s of 21st century education: Critical thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Culture & Connectivity.  Seed funding for MAKE CBA was provided by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation.

The MAKE CBA program, which this year served grades 11 and 12, will expand in the coming years to reach the entire Upper School. Future plans include investment in additional equipment, expansion of the program across divisions and eventually, integrating design elements across the K-12 curriculum.

Click here to learn more about MAKE CBA and contribute to this important initiative, or contact the Development Office at 757.497.6200.