Funding grants for students to attend professional theater is a challenge. The cost of tickets, transportation, and, sometimes, lodging can be prohibitive.
“Hamilton” was a good example. When a teacher first requested a grant for students to attend the musical, it was for a performance in Chicago. The cost included bus transportation for hundreds of 8th graders. It was just too expensive.
Fast forward, though, to when “Hamilton” came to Grand Rapids. We received a new grant request for the Foundation to pay only a portion of the cost. Not only was the grant approved, but also an East alum, Mikey Winslow, was a cast member in the show. He visited our schools and gave workshops to students during the show’s run, so our entire 8th grade class had the opportunity to be in the room where it happened.
Thank you, Foundation donors, for making this possible! You can help support our mission of investing in educational enhancements for all our students on our Donate page.
