HCS Talent Retention & Culture - July Grant Winner

The Hamilton County Schools Foundation just scored the July UNFoundation grant—

and they’re putting it straight into the hands of those who shape our future: teachers.

This fall, the HCS Talent Retention & Culture Initiatives will expand, giving educators more than lesson plans and grading rubrics. We’re talking mentorship, quarterly professional development, and a community that keeps teachers feeling connected, supported, and inspired.

Teacher retention might not sound flashy, but here’s the truth: when educators stay, schools thrive. This program is designed to keep Hamilton County’s best and brightest in the classroom, creating ripple effects that benefit every student.

Think of it as fuel for teacher inspiration—and $3,000 worth of momentum to keep great ideas growing.

At the UNFoundation, we love backing projects that make our community stronger. This one hits the mark: teachers supported, students thriving, and a school culture built to last.

Training Wheels Preschool | Downside Up Inc.

We’re rolling out the red carpet for Training Wheels Preschool, a recipient of our $3,000 UNFoundation grant!

Training Wheels is on a mission to offer preschool programming for children with medical and behavioral needs—kids who require a little extra TLC and support to thrive. Think: therapeutic play, STEM, art, music, and more, all in a nurturing, inclusive environment. Because these kids deserve to get their hands dirty with learning, just like any other preschooler.

With this grant, Training Wheels will hire an additional teacher, making sure each child gets the individual attention they need (because, let’s be real, 1:1 care goes a long way). This helps them expand their reach, meaning more kiddos can join in on the fun—whether that’s exploring STEM projects, jamming out to music, or just enjoying some much-needed playtime. And let’s not forget: parents will get some well-deserved respite too. Win-win!

Why does this matter? Because there are limited options for children with unique needs in the Chattanooga area. The demand for programs like Training Wheels is real—and the need for smaller class sizes and specialized care is only growing. With this grant, they’re able to meet that need head-on, ensuring these children get the early education they deserve without breaking the bank for families.

So, what’s next? More students, more growth, and the ability to make an even bigger impact in the community. Here’s to more learning, more laughter, and yes, more teachers in the spring semester.

Training Wheels Preschool is rolling full speed ahead, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to support them.

DuPont Elementary School Care Closet | Melody Hoffma

We are excited to announce that the UNFoundation has awarded a $1,000 grant to DuPont Elementary School!

Melody Hoffman, the school counselor, will use the grant to replenish the school’s Care Closet, which provides essential clothing and hygiene items to students in need. By addressing these basic needs, DuPont Elementary is creating a more equitable learning environment where all students can thrive.

DuPont Elementary is a Title I school serving a predominantly low-income population. The Care Closet is a vital resource for students who may not have access to essential items. With this grant, the school will be able to restock its supply of clothing, ensuring that every student has the clothing they need to feel confident and ready to learn.

We commend Melody Hoffman and the DuPont Elementary community for their dedication to supporting students’ overall well-being. This grant is a testament to their hard work and commitment to creating a brighter future for their students. Rock on, counselors and social workers. Y’all rule the school.

Toy Lending Library | Chattanooga Public Library

Imagine a library where kids don't just borrow books, they borrow their next playtime adventure! That's the vision behind Chattanooga Public Library’s Toy Lending Library. You've likely seen firsthand the joy of learning through play, and access to educational toys can be a challenge. Like the popular Tool Library (funded by yours truly) for grown-ups, this initiative will provide a vibrant collection of age-appropriate toys, games, and puzzles for children from 0 to 8.

This project is about making Chattanooga even more awesome by fostering a love of learning in our future leaders! The Toy Lending Library will:

• Level the Playing Field: High-quality educational toys can be expensive. This program will ensure all families, regardless of income, have access to these valuable tools for playful learning.

• Spark Curiosity: From building blocks to pretend play, these toys will ignite a passion for learning and exploration, laying the foundation for future academic success.

• Strengthen Families: The library is a welcoming community space. This program will be a fantastic resource for families to discover new toys, create lasting memories, and bond through playful experiences.

Our grant of $3,000 will purchase a diverse collection of educational toys, games, and puzzles. This initial investment will allow us to pilot the program, ensuring Chattanooga's littlest learners have access to the tools they need to play, explore, and grow! Our library is so cool. #wefundcoolideas

Woodmore Matters | Woodmore PTA

Have you ever heard of Woodmore Elementary School? It's a little school with a big heart right here in Brainerd. It's 98% black and working class and bursting with life. This isn't your average school—it's a "little engine that could," filled with amazing teachers and dedicated leadership.

But here's the deal: Woodmore's been overcrowded and under-resourced for way too long. Their faculty lounge is anything but loungy; the stage is overflowing with supplies, and basic comforts like a decent bathroom fan are missing. This isn't fair to the incredible educators who dedicate their days to these bright young minds. Enter

The $3,000 UNFoundation grant to the newly formed Woodmore PTA is aimed at supporting leaders as they recruit parents and ultimately serve students. Here’s where the money will go:

• (More) Cozy Faculty Lounge: Imagine a comfy couch, calming lamps, and a fresh coat of paint – a haven for teachers to recharge and refocus. ️

• Organized Stage Space: We'll clear the clutter with metal shelving units, freeing up the stage for its true purpose – inspiring performances and presentations! Possible a tune up for the piano, too.

• Learning Environment Boost: Two new tables and chairs will create an enrichment area for even more learning magic!

• Seed Money for the new PTA: After all, inclusion is everything. This will allow them to recruit members that can decide what else the funds should go toward.

Together, let's show Woodmore Elementary the love and support they deserve!

Male Teachers of Color | Hamilton County Schools Foundation

The Hamilton County Schools Foundation (HCSF) is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in education, aligning with the Tennessee State Board of Education's policy on Diversity and Inclusion.

To be clear, HCSF is the nonprofit foundation supporting the Hamilton County Department of Education (HCDE), which operates our school system.

Back to our grant. Male Teachers of Color (MTOC) is an inaugural cohort in Hamilton County Schools with ten dedicated participants. They are both new and veteran teachers from all grade bands (elementary, middle, and high) and all five learning communities. MTOC aims to support, develop, and retain current male teachers here in Hamilton County Schools. Hamilton County Schools aims to make the teaching population as diverse as the student population it serves by attracting, cultivating, developing, and retaining a talented and diverse workforce.

So how do we retain them? Our $3,000 grant will be used to fund professional development opportunities for the MTOC participants. They will engage in a book study and assist the Talent Acquisition team in recruiting additional male teachers of color to the district by paying for recruitment materials, such as business cards, marketing videos, uniforms, etc., that participants will use during the recruitment events. The funds will also be used to fund the meals for MTOC professional development gatherings.

Research consistently underscores the significant advantages of having teachers of color in classrooms. Their presence positively influences student achievement, post-secondary aspirations, gifted program enrollment, reduced suspension rates for students of color, and overall student attitudes and motivations. This goes beyond representation; it's about delivering all students the best possible educational experience.

Child and Family Enrichment | Chattanooga Room in the Inn

We proudly announce our $3,000 October grant to Chattanooga Room in the Inn (CRITI), a vital organization providing temporary shelter and support services to women and children experiencing homelessness. Our grant will directly impact the lives of shelter residents by supporting them through education, health, and well-being initiatives. How, exactly? We’ll tell ya.

• Therapeutic Activities: Art supplies, sensory and mindfulness toys, as well as workbooks $515

• Local Adventures: Creative Discovery Museum, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Rock City $500

• Tutoring Supplies $245

• Outside Talent: yoga instructors, ceramists, dance instructors $500

• Extracurricular activities: sports, dance, gymnastics, and spring, fall, and summer camps. $1,240

CRITI invests in the family as a whole. More healthy, confident, self-sufficient families in Chattanooga benefit local schools and workplaces and hopefully inspire families to spend more time together healing. As CRITI families in transition begin to engage in these programs, results should follow quickly.

Healing from trauma takes a village. We’re proud to support CRITI and families experiencing homelessness here in Chattanooga.

Empower Youth Initiative | Be The Change

Get ready for a story splashed with vibrant colors and empowered teens! Be The Change, a nonprofit in Red Bank, Tennessee, is on a mission to empower youth through art and mental health advocacy, and the UNFoundation is proud to be their paintbrush partner.

Think about it: local artists sharing their stories and skills with high schoolers at Red Bank High and Soddy Daisy Middle School? It's happening! These students are discovering how art can heal, inspire, and even build businesses. Soon, Be The Change will be fueling student entrepreneurship by helping them set up shop. Imagine a youth-powered art gallery at The Meeting House, a buzzing coffee spot in Red Bank. Sounds pretty awesome, right?

But it's not all about masterpieces. These projects have a deeper purpose: 75% of the art sales will go directly to the artists and instructors, budding entrepreneurs themselves. The remaining 25% becomes a scholarship fund, launching a Red Bank senior's artistic dreams into the real world.

We believe in the power of art to heal, inspire, and empower. That's why we're thrilled to support Be The Change with a $1,500 grant, fueling their workbook printing and that stunning gallery wall at The Meeting House.