Norwin foundation seeks donations for student scholarships, programs

The nonprofit Norwin School District Community Foundation hopes to raise $7,500 for student scholarships and programming during its annual Days of Giving campaign, which coincides with Norwin’s homecoming week activities from Oct. 3-9.

Some of the money raised will go toward the foundation’s smallest scholarship endowments and the Norwin Alumni and Friends Scholarship, according to Jack Boylan, president of the school district community foundation.

The foundation oversees 25 scholarships for Norwin graduates who enroll in college, university or a technical school.

For most of the foundation’s endowed scholarships, about one-half of the money gained through investments is distributed in the form of scholarships of varying amounts, while the other half remains in the account to help provide sustainability of the respective scholarships, Boylan said.

The foundation’s board of directors reviews the data and makes the final determination of the scholarship value every year, Boylan said.

The donors can designate which scholarship or program they want to support, Boylan said.

A full list of eligible scholarships can be found at ndscf.org/programs/scholarships.

Money also will be earmarked for Norwin’s K-12 STEAM programs — Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics — to provide students and teachers with the specialized STEAM curricular resources needed to support STEAM instruction.

Educator Innovation Grants will provide start-up money for teachers to deliver innovative instruction that enriches and enhances student learning.

Some of the money will be used for student programs such as athletics and activities, fine arts and Project Playground, which is raising money to pay for playground improvements.

The school district has commissioned a $21,500 study by a Pittsburgh firm to determine what playground improvements and renovations can be made to the Hahntown Elementary School playground.

Donations from those who do not have a preference will be shared among the stated priorities, with the foundation’s board of directors making the final determination, Boylan said.

“This year we distributed nearly $170,000. Next year I anticipate that number will be much lower due to the adjustment of the investment markets,” Boylan said.

The homecoming game is against Franklin Regional, and the homecoming parade in downtown Irwin will be Oct. 8.

Donations are accepted throughout the year.

The tax-deductible gifts can be made during the Annual Days of Giving at the foundation website at nsdcf.org/donate.

Donors can mail a check, payable to Norwin School District Community Foundation, to 281 McMahon Dr., North Huntingdon, PA 15642.