"The Chamber staff members are uniformly enthusiastic about their work, and have an obvious dedication to stimulating the area economy by educating and connecting its members."
— Ryan Robinson, Mainstay Technologies, LLC
Funds for Education
Each year, A committee of dedicated volunteers selects community-based educational programming that would benefit from additional financing. Through our Funds for Education program, the Chamber has awarded over $170,000 to locally-based education initiatives. Selected programs typically support practical skill-building and connect students to business leaders in the community, where they can learn about different industries and career opportunities.
Applications for the 2027 round of grants will open in the Fall.
Learn about the 2026 Funds for Education Recipients:
Avaloch Farm Music Institute
Educational Artist Residency Program
Avaloch Farm Music Institute is bringing professional musicians directly into regional schools through its Educational Artist Residency initiative. This program invites accomplished musical ensembles to participate in weeklong residencies that include educational outreach. Through interactive workshops, masterclasses, and performances, students have opportunities to engage with professional musicians to explore their creativity and learn about careers in the performing arts.
Bow High School
Pathways to Possibility: A Career Exploration Series
This new series developed by Bow High School is designed to expose students to the many routes toward professional success. Through an ongoing series of presentations and discussions with local professionals representing industries such as healthcare, skilled trades, entrepreneurship, and public service, the program emphasizes that meaningful careers can be reached through a variety of pathways, including technical training, direct workforce entry, and higher education.
The Friends Program
Life Skills for Middle School Students
The Friends Program is expanding its Life Skills for Middle School Students program, which provides practical learning opportunities for participants in Rundlett Middle School’s 21C afterschool program. Building on a successful pilot, the program connects students with Capital Region professionals to explore essential skills including cooking & nutrition, personal organization, digital safety, and financial literacy. These interactive experiences help students establish meaningful relationships with trusted adults throughout the community.
Laconia School District
Career Exposure in New Hampshire
The Laconia School District is helping students discover the variety of careers available close to home. Sixth- and eighth-grade students will participate in hands-on educational visits from professionals across industries – including (but not limited to) forestry, hospitality, broadcasting, and sales. By interacting directly with working professionals, students will gain a better understanding of potential career pathways and the education and skills needed to pursue them.
Project S.T.O.R.Y.
NextGen Middle School Advancement Program
Developed by student ambassador and Capital Area Student Leadership (CASL) graduate Clementine “Clem” Mayala, this supportive program will offer tutoring, peer mentorship, leadership development, and career exploration for middle school students from underserved communities who may not have as many oppotunities to access career enrichment. Participants will connect with educators, local professionals, and community leaders while preparing for the transition to high school.
Simonds School
One School, One Problem
Nearby in Warner, Simonds School is demonstrating that math education can be a cooperative adventure. Students from kindergarten through fifth grade collaborate to solve a common mathematical challenge, approaching the problem through their own grade-level perspectives. This year’s theme, “How Can We Use Math to Make a Difference in Our Community?”, encourages students to apply mathematical reasoning and creative problem-solving to real-world situations.
Does my program qualify?
Each year, the Chamber awards up to $5,000 (grant maximum $1,000) to local educational programs for K-12 students. Funded projects range from nonprofit initiatives that support local students, after-school programs, educational summer camps, to innovative curriculum created by area teachers that are not funded by school budgets. Funding is raised through the Chamber’s annual Funds for Education Golf Tournament.
To learn more about this program or inquire about applications for the 2027 round of grants, please contact Chamber President & CEO Bryanna Marceau.
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