Past Special Grant awards
Robotics
The Ripon Education Foundation has proudly supported Ripon Robotics for years, helping students access the equipment, resources and opportunities they need to take on increasingly ambitious challenges.
REF grants have helped the team purchase essential equipment used to design and build robots while developing skills in mechanics, coding, teamwork and problem-solving. Students learn through every stage of the process as they test ideas, respond to setbacks and work together to improve their designs.
That ongoing work has led to remarkable achievements. After becoming Lake Superior Regional Champions, Ripon Robotics earned the opportunity to compete at the FRC World Championship in Houston for the first time in school history. REF provided a $5,000 grant to help cover a portion of the registration costs and reduce the financial burden on participating students and families.
At the world championship, Ripon competed in the Galileo Division alongside teams representing 27 states and six countries. Students also worked with teams from Turkey and Israel to develop a shared match strategy, gaining experience collaborating with young engineers from around the world.
Through continued support of Ripon Robotics, REF helps students build much more than robots. They gain practical STEM experience, strengthen their ability to work as a team and develop skills that can help prepare them for future education and careers.
Science Club Explores Chicago Museums
Ripon High School Science Club students took their learning beyond the classroom with a trip to Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum.
A Ripon Education Foundation grant helped cover admission to both museums, giving students the opportunity to explore a wide range of scientific and historical topics. Exhibits included ancient carvings, prehistoric life, insects, marine animals and interactive learning experiences.
At the Shedd Aquarium, students were especially captivated by the beluga whales, river otters and the unusual texture of sea stars. The trip gave them the chance to see animals, artifacts and scientific concepts up close while exploring topics that interested them.
After hoping to make the trip happen for several years, the group was finally able to enjoy an educational experience they will treasure for years to come.
Bill Nye
RHS students had the unique opportunity to travel to Milwaukee to see Bill Nye in person—an experience that sparked excitement and deepened their passion for science. Many continued talking about what they learned and experienced for weeks afterward, reflecting on Nye’s message about curiosity, discovery, and the importance of citizen science.
This once-in-a-lifetime event left a lasting impression, inspiring students to see themselves as part of the larger scientific community.
Mental Health and Wellness Groups
Thanks to grant funding, 20 Ripon students in grades 3–5 participated in small groups focused on mental health and wellness. Over six weeks, students attended four sessions led by a licensed community therapist, exploring topics such as Empowerment: Anxiety & Self-Love, Normalizing Feelings, Navigating Connections, and Emotional Regulation.
The groups created safe spaces for students to share openly, build confidence, and learn practical tools for managing emotions and relationships. One student reflected, “I used to feel like my feelings were too much, but now I know it’s okay to feel and talk about them.” Another shared, “Being part of the group helped me feel more confident in myself and less alone.”
By offering professional support at no cost to families, this project provided a critical resource for students’ well-being—helping them develop resilience, strengthen peer connections, and carry these lessons into their daily lives.
FBLA NATIONALS
Four Ripon High School students had the opportunity to attend the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, CA, thanks in part to funding from the Ripon Education Foundation. The grant helped cover hotel, registration, travel, and meals, making it possible for students to compete at the national level without the full financial burden.
At the conference, students competed against the best in the nation, attended workshops, listened to keynote speakers, networked with peers, and even participated in the long-standing FBLA tradition of trading state pins with members from across the country. One student reflected, “I love that FBLA provides unique opportunities while also teaching me valuable skills that I will use for the rest of my life.”
Earning a place at nationals is no small feat—students must advance through both regionals and state, finishing in the top tier of competitors. With REF’s support, these hard-working students were able to showcase their skills on a national stage while also experiencing another part of the United States.
