Annual Special Projects
Funding Amount
Varies by project (e.g., Outdoor Opportunities: $73,901 raised)
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Grant Type
foundation
Overview
Annual Special Projects
Overview: Each year, Hopkins Education Foundation partners with Hopkins Public Schools on a large-scale special project that will have a districtwide impact. These special projects fund significant initiatives that benefit multiple schools and large numbers of students across the district.
Geographic Scope: Hopkins Public Schools District 270, Minnesota
Status: Active
Current Project: Outdoor Opportunities (2024-2026)
Project Goal: To inspire Hopkins students to develop outdoor and leadership skills, build community, and experience joy and connection to the natural world through camping, hiking, canoeing, and similar activities.
Funding Raised: $73,901 (goal exceeded at Royal Bash fundraiser on March 1, 2025)
Project Components:
* Elementary: Fifth-grade trip to YMCA Camp Ihduhapi
* Middle School: Eighth-grade trip to YMCA Camp Ihduhapi
* High School: Camping trip to Willow River State Park for 120 students
* Outdoor Gear Expansion: Expand Hopkins High School inventory of camping, hiking, and outdoor gear to ensure equitable access for low-income families
* Outdoor Opportunities Fund: Endowment for future outdoor trips and outdoor learning projects at schools
Project Rationale:
* Average Minnesota middle school student spends ~10 hours/day on screens but less than 10 minutes outdoors
* Outdoor learning brings academic concepts to life
* Encourages creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and environmental connectedness
* Research shows nature time promotes better mental health, lowers anxiety, boosts mood, improves focus
* Provides hands-on, experiential learning that cannot be replicated in traditional classrooms
Past Special Projects
* 2021-2022: Pathways to a Healthy Future * 2013-2014: STEM: Partnering Through Excellence * 2010-2012: Unleashing the Power of iPad * 2003-2006: A Sound Investment2024 Special Project: Fueling Future Minds
Focus: Funds new computer science, coding, data analysis, and artificial intelligence (AI) learning opportunities in Hopkins Public Schools
Contact Information
Hopkins Education Foundation 1001 Highway 7, Suite 243 Hopkins, MN 55305 Phone: 952-988-4097 Email: HEF@hopkinseducationfoundation.org Website: hopkinseducationfoundation.orgOrganization Type: 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Tax ID: 41-1808042
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