The Blandin Foundation has announced a $2 million grant to Grand Rapids-based Itasca Area Schools Collaborative (IASC) in support of its early childhood education and support services.
The funding will bolster IASC’s Invest Early program, which aims to improve educational outcomes for children and narrow achievement gaps caused by geography, class, and race while removing economic barriers for participating families in Minnesota’s Itasca County. To that end, the initiative—now in its 20th year—supports families through wrap-around services such as transportation, meals, mental health support, and home visits. Over the past two decades, the foundation has provided a total of $37 million.
“The Invest Early initiative is a prime example of what happens when a community comes together to address its own challenges,” said Blandin Foundation president Tuleah Palmer. “This grant represents the culmination of a 20-year, grassroots effort that not only improved the lives of thousands of children but also strengthened regional collaboration and laid the groundwork for future investments.”
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