Poway School Receives $5,000 Barona Education Grant

SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwired - Mar 7, 2016) - Staff and students at Poway's Pomerado Elementary School received a $5,000 Barona Education Grant from the Barona Band of Mission Indians.

Sheilla Alvarez, Director of Government Affairs for the Barona Band of Mission Indians, presented the check to Principal Luis Ortiz. Pomerado Elementary plans to use the funds to enhance its after-school program by purchasing materials to further develop a variety of clubs ranging from drama and music to chess, gardening, and multi-media.

The grant's sponsor, California Assembly Member Brian Maienschein of Northeastern San Diego, remarked, "After-school programs and clubs are an effective and fun way for children to learn, develop skills, and build confidence. Barona's Education Grant will aid in the development of Pomerado Elementary students by allowing children to discover new strengths and interests." 

"Education and development doesn't end when the bell rings and is often enhanced by participation in school clubs and extracurricular activities," said Clifford LaChappa, Chairman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. "We're excited that our Barona Education Grand will help Pomerado Elementary to expand its after-school program."

Since 2006, the Barona Band of Mission Indians has awarded over $2.6 million to 532 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.