Barona Education Grant Program Exceeds $2 Million Milestone With $5,000 Grant to Cornerstone Academy

SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwired - Sep 20, 2013) - Students and teachers at Christ the Cornerstone Academy in San Diego received a special visit today from Councilwoman Bonnie LaChappa of the Barona Band of Mission Indians and Assemblyman Brian Maienschein (R-AD 77). The Barona Tribe presented a $5,000 Barona Education Grant to Principal Lark Mayeski to purchase new textbooks and online curriculum for students in grades 1-5.

The grant presentation marks a $2 million milestone for the Barona Education Grant Program. Since 2006, the Tribe has awarded $2,120,000 statewide to help bridge school budget gaps. The program has equipped educators and students at more than 400 schools across California with hundreds of computers, textbooks, iPads, computer software programs and various other technologies and school supplies.

"This is a tremendous milestone for the Education Grant program," said Clifford LaChappa, Chairman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. "When we launched the program seven years ago, we knew there was a gap in education funding for schools statewide. We are glad that we have been able to continue to make a difference in education for students throughout California with our grant program." 

Assemblyman Maienschein, who sponsored the school's grant application, applauded Barona Tribal Leaders for their innovative program and significant investment in education. 

"I would like to thank Barona for their continued community engagement in San Diego County," said Assemblyman Maienschein. "I am pleased that Christ the Cornerstone Academy was awarded grant funds from Barona to update their Social Studies materials for the fall 2013 school year."

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://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.