Barona Education Grant Helps Chula Vista School Go Green With New Garden

SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwired - Jun 9, 2014) - The Barona Band of Mission Indians awarded a $5,000 education grant to students and educators at Palomar Elementary School. Palomar will use the funds to establish garden boxes which will engage students in learning about healthy foods as well as plant growth, water and soil temperatures and other lessons as part of the school's science education.

Palomar is a generational school that educates children and grandchildren of former students. The school's new garden will equip students with the skills to create a sustainable garden and grow produce, knowledge which can also be used at home with their families.

"We were truly touched when Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez and Principal Erika Taylor reached out to us to help with Palomar Elementary School's garden," said Clifford LaChappa, Chairman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. "It is our pleasure to support their goal to provide children with the skills to grow their own garden, preparing them to live healthier lives and share that knowledge with their family and friends."

Since 2006, the Barona Band of Mission Indians has awarded over $2.1 million to 423 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.