Special Message from Yvonne Cook

Dear Highmark Foundation school grant applicant:

Thank you for your patience in awaiting the Highmark Foundation's decision regarding your school grant application for the 2020-2021 school year. The Foundation is committed to supporting schools within our service region in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Since 2013, the Foundation has contributed over $2.65 million in grants to support healthy school environments, and remains committed even during these unprecedented times.

In January 2020, Highmark Foundation announced the school grant program for the 2020-2021 school year. Schools in Pennsylvania and West Virginia were invited to apply for grants for up to $7,500 to support programs in bullying prevention, environmental health, physical activity and nutrition education, and school-based health.

Since that time, much has changed as we try to adjust to a new normal in the face of a global pandemic.

Understanding that your focus is now on returning to school and keeping our children safe, and in a show of good faith during this time unprecedented year, Highmark Foundation is transitioning from its traditional school grants to provide a one-time $3,000 grant to all 115 schools that applied. The funds can be used for health and/or COVID-19 related activities. We look forward to returning to our traditional school grant application process in January for the 2021-2022 school year.

Please note that the $3,000 check is being processed now and will be sent directly to either the applying school (in Pennsylvania) or to the county school board (in West Virginia). We ask that you follow-up with your school's business office or the county Board of Education to ensure the funds have been received and properly allocated.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jane Brooks at 610-573-5407 or via email at jane.brooks@highmark.com.

Thank you and stay well,

Yvonne C. Cook
President, Highmark Foundation