Three Roaring Fork Valley nonprofits that promote literacy, reading and writing skills were awarded grants from the Bessie Minor Swift Foundation, it was announced Tuesday.
The Aspen Education Foundation was awarded $2,500 for books and supplies for its summer reading program for elementary and middle school students. Two three-week sessions will focus on reducing screen time and encouraging students to read books. Activities will include acting out scenes from books, creative writing exercises and doing scavenger hunts based on the stories.
Roaring Fork Conservancy in Basalt received $3,000 to support a teen STEAM summer program that will combine scientific observations with an Augmented Reality Sand Table and direct art instruction. Students will create a series of artwork that will be displayed at the River Center’s Riverscapes Exhibit. Funds will cover supplies and 30 hours of instruction.