Matching Grant Challenges Brewster Community To Help Students

BREWSTER, NY — A challenge grant will help Brewster students finishing up what has been a challenging year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Brewster Education Foundation received a matching grant from Brewster resident Timothy Wallach for use of technology in the school district.

Wallach’s commitment to a multi-year $25,000 contribution, plus the matching challenge, will have an enormous impact on the school system’s inventory of devices and software that are making it possible for students to continue learning during the coronavirus pandemic, said Alberta Kozma, president of the BEF.

The matching challenge will continue until March 31, and the foundation is very close to its goal.

"If there’s anything we’ve learned about education during these past twelve months, it’s that innovative and reliable technology are brilliant tools for teachers and students to build a strong relationship that results in higher learning,” Kozma said. “We hope the community will join us in this challenge, in conjunction with Mr. Wallach’s generosity, so we can bring these tools to Brewster."

Wallach told Patch he teamed up with the foundation "because I believe in Brewster. I've been a resident here for 70 years and felt I'd like to support the local schools."

He's done this before — 20 years ago to help fund the veterans' honor roll in the plaza next to the Brewster Library that honors local residents who served in the armed forces.

"It just helps to get people involved, not so much what they give but that it's a community project, not just my project," he said.

That was a 1:1 grant and this is an even more generous 4:1 grant. He has already been inundated with thanks.

"I've been so overwhelmed by the number of messages I've been getting from people thanking me for helping to do this," he said. "Especially in this time of COVID so the children have Chromebooks to take home to do their work —which they might not have been able to do."

To donate to this matching challenge, visit www.bef.org/donate before March 31.

Any additional funds raised above the goal will be allocated to grants to support the school system’s meaningful learning opportunities, BEF officials said.

About the Brewster Education Foundation

The Brewster Education Foundation raises funds for projects beyond those supported by regular school resources. This includes awarding scholarships for student’s academic achievements and supporting educators with grants for meaningful learning opportunities. The Foundation has established itself as an integral part of the support system for public education in the Brewster School District and involves the community in the pursuit of excellence in education. The BEF is a 501c(3) non-profit corporation.