EXCEL Foundation celebrates 40 years of opening doors for Coeur d’Alene students

COEUR d’ALENE — From elementary music rooms filled with drums to middle school workshops equipped with modern fabrication tools, the EXCEL Foundation has spent 40 years helping teachers turn ambitious ideas into opportunities for students.

The community is invited to celebrate that legacy and help build its future at The Big Event, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn. The foundation’s ruby anniversary celebration will feature stories of classroom innovation, raffles and auctions, bringing supporters together to invest in Coeur d’Alene School District students.

Established in 1986, EXCEL funds innovative educational projects that would otherwise go unfunded. With community support, the foundation has awarded 1,742 grants and more than $3 million to enrich learning across the district.

“These experiences spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and open doors to future possibilities,” said EXCEL Foundation President Ingrid Yates.

That impact reaches students at every grade level. EXCEL grants have provided frogs for seventh-grade science dissections, forestry experiences for high school students and classroom sets of musical instruments for elementary schools. Students have explored robotics, pottery, 3D printing, welding and interactive media production. Greenhouses have brought lessons to life, while climbing walls and enhanced physical education equipment have expanded opportunities for movement and learning.

Woodworking and engineering programs supported almost entirely by EXCEL grants have become some of the most requested electives at several district middle schools, Yates said.

Two $25,000 Signature Grants awarded in May illustrate how community contributions can create opportunities on a larger scale.

At Lakes Middle School, funding was awarded for an xTool MetalFab, a system combining laser cutting, welding, cleaning and engraving. The equipment allows students to design and build metal projects while exploring skills connected to manufacturing, engineering and the trades.

“This equipment is an entry point to careers in the trades,” Lakes woodshop teacher Aaron Fox said in May. “There is a huge need for skilled workers. This will open doors and show students the potential of pursuing professional technical careers.”

Lake City High School received a $25,000 grant to develop a media studio for photography and video production. Nearly 300 students were enrolled in photography, videography and graphic design courses when the award was announced.

The planned studio will give students a professional setting to strengthen their storytelling and communication skills while exploring potential careers.

Behind each project is a teacher with an idea and a community willing to help make it happen.

“By investing in teachers and enriching classroom experiences, EXCEL is helping shape today’s students as well as the future of our entire community,” Yates said.

The Big Event offers an opportunity to celebrate four decades of that partnership and support the next generation of classroom ideas. Community members and businesses can help extend EXCEL’s impact by attending, contributing and encouraging others to join the celebration.

To learn more about the EXCEL Foundation or purchase tickets, visit www.excelfoundation.org.