Grosse Pointe Public Schools students gathered around a classroom aquarium, highlighting hands-on science education and collaborative learning experiences.

Grosse Pointe student musicians performing violins on stage, showcasing music education and artistic enrichment supported by the Grosse Pointe Education Foundation.

Student and educator exploring a colorful interactive art display, encouraging creativity and hands-on learning in Grosse Pointe public schools.

Grosse Pointe student robotics team celebrating together at a competition, highlighting STEM education, teamwork, and extracurricular learning opportunities.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ Our Impact

GPFPE Grants and What They Built

Over $5 million in grants across more than 20 years, in every school and at every grade level. Here's some of it.

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Our Supporters

Our grants are made possible by the generosity of individual donors, our event sponsors and the support of partner organizations, including:

Partner organization

Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan

Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Grosse Pointe Community Assets Fund

We're grateful for their continued partnership in helping us bring these programs to Grosse Pointe classrooms.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ Grant spotlights

Three Grants, Three Levels of Learning

Child reading illustrated books and writing on a small chalkboard at a desk.

Elementary schools

Slates & Scholars: Reawakening a One-Room Schoolhouse

Funded by the Lois J. Warden Fund within the GPFPE, this grant enables district second graders to experience the historic Cook Schoolhouse. Students step back in time to explore local history and experience early GPPSS classroom life firsthand. To create an immersive, hands-on learning environment, the GPFPE provided McGuffey Readers, slate chalkboards, and traditional recess games.

Grant recipient:

Submitted by Sarah Neely, 2nd grade teacher

Children playing on a wooden rope climbing structure at a sunny playground

Middle schools

Pierce Playground Obstacle Course

With funding secured by principal Sara Dirkse and the PTO, Pierce Middle School is enhancing its athletic field with a permanent outdoor obstacle course tailored for students ages 10–14. Designed with student input and district support, this creative and inclusive structure provides an engaging fitness space for both Pierce students and the broader community.

Grant recipient:

Submitted by Pierce Principal Sara Dirkse and Pierce PTO

Colorfully decorated sneakers and gift boxes displayed on a party table with flowers and accessories

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HIGH SCHOOLS

The Shoe Project

North Business teacher Scott Sowers engages his students in an innovative project-based learning experience. Working in teams, students design, market, and produce their own shoe brand before pitching their products in an end-of-semester showcase. Following the presentation, all shoes are donated to a local charity.