SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - February 2, 2011) - More classic literature books will line the library shelves of Garnet J. Robertson Intermediate School as a result of the Barona Band of Mission Indians' $5,000 education grant that will be presented on February 4, 2011. Assembly Speaker pro Tempore Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco) joined students, faculty and administrators in accepting the grant presented by Barona Tribal Chairman Edwin "Thorpe" Romero.
As school budgets continue to be drastically cut across the state, the Barona Band of Mission Indians has been sharing resources through its Barona Education Grant Program. Since 2006, Barona has awarded more than $1 million to over 200 schools statewide.
Garnet J. Robertson Intermediate School will use the grant money to purchase core literature books for the school library as part of the Bayshore School District's recommended curriculum for grades 5-8.
"We all know that reading is a fundamental part of education. It is our hope that this grant will give the students at Robertson Intermediate school the resources to advance their reading skills today and help them achieve their goals tomorrow," said Edwin "Thorpe" Romero, chairman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians.
The Barona Education Grant Program is the first of its kind in California created and administered by a Tribal Government. The goal of the program is to create strong educational opportunities for the children of California building upon the success of the Barona Indian Charter School, which operates under a continuous improvement model.
Schools throughout California can apply for educational grants from Barona to purchase much-needed supplies and materials that promote academic improvement. Each grant awarded by the Barona Education Grant Program is $5,000. Applications can be downloaded at http://www.barona-nsn.gov/index.php?q=education.
About the Barona Band of Mission Indians
The Barona Band of Mission Indians, recognized by the United States government as a sovereign nation, has lived on the Barona Indian Reservation in rural eastern San Diego County since 1932. Prior to that, the Tribe lived on the Capitan Grande Reservation which was established by the federal government in 1875. Long before living on a reservation, the Tribe traveled across Southern California in tune with the seasons and what nature provided. Today, the sovereign nation, governed by an elected Tribal Council, is serving its Tribal members, their families, and sharing with the San Diego region. One of the most successful gaming Tribes in the country, Barona also owns and operates the Barona Resort & Casino, San Diego's leading gaming resort, casino and golf course. For more information, visit www.barona-nsn.gov.
Contact Information:
CONTACT:
Sheilla Alvarez
619-402-0182
Kelly Jacobs Speer
619-933-5013