ROCHELLE — Students in the HUB Project at Central School have a unique opportunity to participate in real life grant writing.

The student-led team of third and fourth graders is hoping to secure grant funding to purchase a refrigerator, which would hold snacks for everyone in the after-school program at Central.

Rochelle Elementary School District teachers Amy Hayden and Sheri Klindera are both overseeing the process. Hayden explained the snacks, provided by the Northern Illinois Food Bank, are chosen based on available refrigerator space. Currently because of space limitation students in the HUB Project at Central School are given non-perishable items such as crackers and a juice box.

Students participating in HUB at Rochelle Middle School and at Lincoln School typically receive a snack similar to the lunches offered during the summer. The larger snack usually includes a bagel with cream cheese, fruit cup, veggies, yogurt, cheese stick and milk.

Hayden explained securing a refrigerator for snacks has been a topic of discussion knowing some students are on the bus until nearly 6 p.m.

“This has been on our radar…we have been really motivated to find a source of funding so when the kids have a snack they are full. This grant, which would enable the purchase of the refrigerator, will improve our snacks offered to the Central HUB students,” Hayden said. “The grant’s focus is on kids putting together the grant and then applying, so it’s perfect as a HUB activity.”

A meeting was held with the students, explaining the grant and the process. All showed interest in participating. From there with the help of Lester Davis, Director of Maintenance, a possible location for the refrigerator was chosen.

“In the meeting we talked about why this is important and what would need to be done,” Hayden said.

The grant, funded by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, includes guidelines that the proposed project must be planned and implemented by individuals 19 years old and younger. They must be involved in every aspect of the process.

Teamwork

The dozen or so students are all assigned responsibilities involved in the process, from determining which refrigerator fits within the budget to the actual writing of the grant. Students are also researching how junk food and hunger impact learning. Another group is in charge of finding an electrician.

Some of the initial research found by students discovered an option of available free shipping. Another option is free delivery and installation. In one of the meetings after school, Hayden and Klindera asked the students why that might be important.

“It saves money so we can get a nicer fridge”...”It’s safer and if something is wrong with the fridge they can get us another one,” answered the students.

“Why would we need the fridge?” asked Hayden to the group of students.

Answers ranged from needing those foods to stay cold, more snacks, to having more energy to help the brain think. The students also know they might be able to try new foods.

“We talked about opening up your heart and wanting to help other students for years to come,” Klindera said. “This will help kids for a long time. You are being good role models.”

HUB Project grant manager Jodee Craven is happy they are given this opportunity.

“I’m incredibly excited for the students to have the opportunity to learn about grants, and how their experience during the regular school day and after school are impacted by grant funding,” Craven said. “This is an opportunity for the students to use their ELA skills to form an argument, practice persuasive writing and conduct research to back up their ideas. The students are truly excited to submit their grant proposal and everyone involved with HUB is proud of their efforts, no matter the outcome.”

The application is due on Feb. 8. The group will know the outcome in the spring.