4S Ranch-Del Sur foundation sets grants record

The 4S Ranch-Del Sur Community Foundation has awarded almost $33,000 in community grants, a record for its 9-year-old grants program, officials said.

The four recipient groups were honored on May 6. They are the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, The Design39C Collaborative, Stone Ranch Elementary School and Zoological Society of San Diego.

“Since 2008, (the foundation) has granted more than $209,000 to 42 projects to inspire a culture of giving that strengthens and enriches the quality of life in 4S Ranch and Del Sur,” said Deanne Hormovitis, the foundation’s grants committee chairwoman.

“Through these grants, we are building a better community in 4S Ranch and Del Sur to support current and future generations,” she said. “The many grantee success stories ... are a testament to this mission and our annual efforts.”

The recipients said they plan to use the money for the following projects:

• Stone Ranch Elementary School received $9,878 so it can expand its lab that focuses on science, technology, engineering and math education. The lab is used by more than 800 students in transitional kindergarten through fifth grade, officials said. The money will go toward purchasing Chromebooks; Lego classroom kits that focus on wind power, force and motion; and consumable items needed for classroom projects.

• The Zoological Society of San Diego received $8,570 for its “Citizen Science: Wildlife Monitoring” program. With the money, officials said they will educate 350 4S Ranch and Del Sur middle school students on citizen science by bringing science, technology, engineering and math to wildlife research and exploration.

The multi-part program includes reviewing data coming directly from wildlife researches in Africa and Asia plus field trips to Elfin Forest so students can perform similar data collection and analyze local wildlife. The money will go toward classroom instruction, field trips, transportation, activities and supplies.

• The Design39C Collaborative will use its $8,500 grant to create Studio39, an initiative that supports the buildout of audio and video production capabilities on campus, officials said. Through Studio39, students will have the opportunity to identify, research and produce news segments on current issues facing students, their school community and the greater 4S Ranch and Del Sur communities. The money will go toward purchasing sound and video production equipment plus a laptop computer.

• The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego received $6,000 so it can create a science, technology, engineering and math program at its 4S Ranch branch. Officials said the robotics program will target 50 children, ages 8 to 14, and utilize successes that resulted at six other club branches. The goal is for children to explore, discover and learn about robotics in a “fun, hands-on environment,” officials said. The money will be used to purchase Lego Mindstorm kits, computers and supplies.

The 4S Ranch-Del Sur Community Foundation raises money for its grants program and community endowment through a membership program that promotes responsible and effective philanthropy through donations now and legacy gifts for future use, officials said. The local group is an affiliate of The San Diego Foundation. For membership details, contact Estela Mitrani at 619-847-7100 or estelam@sdfoundation.org.