2026 Education Foundation of Bloomington Prodigy Awards
Nominations due no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026
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We Bridge the Opportunity Gap ... Equipping Our Students to Close the Achievement Gap
The Education Foundation of Bloomington’s Prodigy Award program has been recognizing outstanding groups in administration, support staff and teachers in Bloomington Public Schools since the early 1990’s. These exemplary groups of people have enhanced the lives of students and their families. The Education Foundation of Bloomington (EFB) Board of Directors extends our deepest gratitude to all employees in all Bloomington schools for their heroic efforts to put education and safety as the highest priorities. In our hearts and minds, all of you deserve Prodigy Awards.
We are continuing the Prodigy Awards for the 2025-2026 school year with the intent of recognizing excellence in Superb Staff Teamwork and Superb Administrative Teamwork, creating a better educational environment. The awards are sponsored by former Bloomington Public Schools teacher Patrick Porter.
PROGRAMS
Save the date for the 2025 Chip in for Schools Golf Classic
July 28, 2026
Education Foundation of Bloomington: Investing in the Future of Education
The Education Foundation of Bloomington is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering learners and fostering educational excellence. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality education, and we are committed to providing resources and support to students, teachers, and schools in need.
We offer a variety of programs designed to address critical needs and make a lasting impact:
Supporting Classroom Innovation:
Classroom Grants: We provide funding for innovative educational projects that enhance student learning and engagement.
Educational Stipends: We offer financial assistance to educators for professional development and continuing education opportunities.
Empowering Learners:
Supplies for Students in Need: We provide essential school supplies and learning materials to children from underserved communities.
College Scholarships: We award scholarships to promising students facing financial hardship, helping them achieve their dreams of higher education.
Recognizing Excellence in Education:
Prodigy Awards: We honor outstanding educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment and innovation in the classroom.
We are committed to collaboration, transparency, and accountability. We believe that by working together, we can create a brighter future for all learners. Join us in making a difference.
Jefferson High School Show Choir Directors
This team is recognized for their work to rebuild and grow the Jefferson Show Choirs and Show Band into an award-winning program after the pandemic. Over the past three years they’ve added more than 30 new members and consistently reached finals at competitions. They’ve fostered a positive, high-achieving community where students thrive musically, socially, and personally.
Team: Zach Diedrich, Elliot Douma, Katie McCrea, Brian Ohnsorg
Bloomington DAPE Team
The Bloomington DAPE/Unified PE Team creates and expands inclusive physical education and leadership programs across multiple schools, fostering a culture of respect and belonging to students of all abilities. The team shares their experiences, strategies and ideas to build a stronger, unified approach to inclusive education. Their work has transformed school communities by breaking down social barriers, boosting student confidence, and creating authentic peer connections.
Team: Jennie Berglund, Kyle Green, Tammy Kellen, Justin Lund, Celeste Meyer, Neil Mortland, Teri Roder, Allie Voineag, Jake Wypyszynski
Valley View Middle School Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
Valley View Middle School Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
The VVM GSA team provides vital advocacy, support and visibility for LGBTQIA+ students by creating a safe student-led space. Despite challenges, they’ve persisted in creating a culture of inclusion and education through visibility campaigns and student projects. The program has served an estimated 150 students in the 15 years since its creation.
Team: Evan Fair, Dailia Hanson, Holly Hysjulien, Rachel Masters
Javits Instructional Paraprofessionals
Javits Instructional Paraprofessionals
This group of paraprofessionals provides instructional support for kindergarten and first grade students at five elementary schools, providing rigorous enrichment to increase equity and access to Gifted and Talented programs. They tailor lessons to each school’s context. Their contributions have extended beyond academics to include school events and professional learning presentations. As the first-of-its-kind team in the district, they’ve set a high standard for instructional excellence and inclusion at this level.
Team: Jillian Chapman, Amy Coleman, Jennifer Elsen, Timothy Kaari, Mikaela Koch, Cheryl Lewis, Christine Thomas
Jefferson English 10 Book Team Exhibits
The English 10 team hosts a schoolwide project combining reading, teamwork and creative expression to engage all Jefferson sophomores in a powerful literacy experience. Students collaborate on presentations on books they read. This year the English 10 team secured grants and donations to create awards to increase engagement and excitement about the projects. The project has demonstrably increased students' reported value of group work, quality of final products, and personal growth.
Team: Cindy Elbert, Elizabeth Erdmann, Stephanie Feakes-Young, Steve Glover, Nick Hupton, Hannah Kennedy Nazario, Mary Klempke, Scott Sieling
EFB 2025 Chip in for Schools Golf Classic raised $53,000
EFB 2025 Chip in for Schools Golf Classic raised $53,000
Thank you to all the golfers, sponsors, partners and volunteers who helped make this year’s Chip in for Schools golf event a huge success. With your help, Education Foundation of Bloomington raised $53,000. Every dollar raised goes to Bloomington Public Schools to support students and staff through scholarships, stipends and EFB programs.
We're so grateful for a community that invests in its students and staff. Thank you to our partners and donors for making this event possible.
Check out pictures on our FaceBook page
2026 EFB Chip in for Schools Golf Classic is July 28 @ The Wilds Golf Course, Prior Lake
Ways We Give Back
Ways We Give Back
The foundation awards scholarships to BPS high school seniors to help finance their first year of college or technical training.
These awards, sponsored by former Bloomington Public Schools teacher Patrick Porter, recognize superb teamwork that improves the educational environment within Bloomington Public Schools.
Children's Food for Thought provides school lunches for students who would otherwise go without.
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