TOWSON, MD—The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc., has been awarded a $15,000 grant through United Way of Central Maryland’s 2024 Changemaker Challenge.

The grant will be used to implement, in partnership with Breathe for Change, a “Yoga for SEL” (social-emotional learning) program in BCPS. With the funding, the foundation will support 12 BCPS educators in completing the Breathe for Change “200-hour Mindfulness, Yoga and Social-Emotional Learning Certified Facilitator” training.

The Changemaker Challenge began in January when the United Way invited individuals and nonprofit organizations to submit innovative ideas to help close gaps in services and resources. From nearly 200 submissions, United Way selected finalists in four counties and Baltimore City. The Education Foundation was one of 12 finalists selected in Baltimore County.

As a finalist, the foundation received a $1,500 stipend and coaching support leading up to the May 9 Baltimore County Changemaker Challenge event, where Dr. Heather Wooldridge, the foundation’s associate director, successfully pitched the “Yoga for SEL” idea before a live audience. As a grantee, the foundation will also receive free access to The Lonely Entrepreneur learning community.

Photo: Dr. Wooldridge at the Changemaker Challenge event via BCPS on Flickr