Teacher: Latisha Schlabach
School: Custer County Middle School
District: Custer County
District Website: www.custercountyschools.org
School Address: 709 Main Street/PO Box 730, Westcliffe, CO
Grade Level: 6th-8th Grade Volleyball
Region: Central Mountains
Project Title: Youth Volleyball Supplies
Category: Vocational & Physical Education
Amount Requested: $750

Project Description:
I am a youth volleyball coach in Westcliffe, CO, a small rural school where youth sports opportunities are limited, and traveling for sports camps requires a two-hour drive. Our middle school volleyball program relies on hand-me-downs from the high school and has no budget for equipment of its own. This grant would help provide new volleyballs, practice gear, and competition shirts, and support the start of a youth volleyball camp for elementary students. It would also allow us to offer snacks during after-school programs, providing both physical and emotional support to students, many of whom come from low-income families.

Proposal:
Funding will be used to purchase new volleyballs, practice gear, and youth jerseys for our volleyball program, which currently relies on hand-me-downs. Additionally, we plan to start a youth volleyball camp for elementary students, offering them an opportunity for physical activity and team-building. The funds will also help us provide snacks for participants in both the middle school and youth programs. Extra-curricular activities like these are essential for student development, especially in a small rural community where more than 50% of students qualify for free/reduced lunch.

Budget Breakdown:

• Volleyballs: $500
• Youth Volleyball Jerseys: $100
• Snacks for Campers: $150

Total: $750