Chula Vista School Latest to Receive $5,000 Barona Education Grant

SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwired - Oct 30, 2015) - Staff and students at Chula Vista's Pilgrim Lutheran School were excited to accept a $5,000 Barona Education Grant yesterday from the Barona Band of Mission Indians. The Chula Vista K-8 grade school plans to use the funds to purchase 20 Apple iPads and headsets to update the school's computer lab.

The school's grant was sponsored by California Board of Equalization member Diane Harkey, who remarked, "For a school that receives half the funding of a public school, and with teachers that work twice as hard to serve this community in need, Barona's educational grant to provide cutting edge technology to the classroom goes a long way in plugging these kids into a better future." Barona Tribal Council Vice Chairman Raymond Welch and Barona Councilwoman Beth Glasco were also on hand to present Principal Bonnie Sanchez with the check.

"We are proud that our Barona Education Grant program has helped make a positive impact for hundreds of schools throughout California," said Chairman Clifford LaChappa. "Some grants are used to purchase technology while others are used for reading materials or to enhance arts and after school programs. No matter what each grant is used for, it means a lot to our entire Tribe knowing that we're helping students gain access to the tools they need to succeed."

Since 2006, the Barona Band of Mission Indians has awarded over $2.5 million to 494 schools statewide to help bridge school budget gaps and share resources through its Barona Education Grant Program.

The 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://barona-nsn.gov/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.