Fueling Student Innovation
At Gibson Ek High School, students learn by doing. They engage in ambitious, student-led, project-based learning that requires a diverse and often unpredictable range of resources. Standard school funding, however, is designed for the predictable costs of a traditional classroom, creating a gap that can prevent students from realizing their innovative ideas. The Gibson Ek Foundation was created to bridge this gap, providing grants that enhance makerspaces, programs, and project opportunities for every student. We are thrilled to showcase the incredible projects our community's generosity has brought to life!
Learn About Student-Led Projects We've Funded!
Drama Club Stage
and Prop Shop
$600
This grant ignited a creative spark, providing the crucial seed money for a talented student to revolutionize the Drama Club. Drawing on her community theater experience, she masterfully designed minimalist, flexible, and easily storable sets. These ingenious designs weren't just for one show; they were crafted to adapt seamlessly for future productions, transforming the stage into a dynamic canvas where student performers can truly bring their stories to life. This project has elevated the quality of performances, empowered countless student artists, and established a lasting legacy of creativity and resourcefulness of the Drama Club for years to come!
Garden Club Edible Forest Expansion
$2,716
A student in collaboration with the Garden Club spearheaded an initiative, transforming the school's garden into a naturalized "Edible Forest"! This ambitious project included the addition of a greenhouse and a cutting-edge water catchment system. As a result, the garden was able to supply the Issaquah Food Bank with fresh, ethnically diverse produce year-round and provided invaluable resources for aspiring student chefs. It truly became a living laboratory for sustainable agriculture and community service, leaving a lasting legacy of environmental stewardship and culinary innovation.
Student
Film Kit
$850
Recognizing the number of students interested in filmmaking, a student proposed a solution to the school's outdated equipment. This grant was used to build a modern film kit that students can check out to produce their own high-quality film projects. This initiative revolutionized the filmmaking experience for Gibson Ek students, allowing their creative visions to come to life on screen. The student put these resources to good use, working on a film for incoming 9th-grade students, setting a fantastic precedent for future cinematic endeavors!
Tig Welding
Program
$2,073
This grant sparked an incredible new Tig Welding program at the school! The student's vision involved partnering with a local expert to train a dedicated team of students who, in turn, empowered their peers with vital skills. This project forged a sustainable, student-led program that championed hands-on learning in both cutting-edge engineering and invaluable technical trade skills. The funds covered a crucial portion of the welder, expert training, and all the necessary equipment, setting the stage for a lasting legacy of practical education and innovation.
Robotics Team
Starter Kit
$5,000
Circuit Trees, the name of Gibson Ek’s distinguished robotics team with over 30 dedicated members, plunged into the international RoboSub competition thanks to this pivotal grant! These crucial funds provided a submersible robot starter kit, a fantastic foundation that future teams will adapt and build upon for years to come. This incredibly complex project offered a thrilling array of opportunities for students to contribute meaningfully to a large-scale build, all while pursuing a total funding goal of $37,000 from various generous sources.
Body-Positive & Sustainable Textiles $2,200
This project absolutely revolutionized the school's textiles space, making it a hub of inclusivity and sustainability! The grant funded a fantastic range of dress forms, empowering students to design and upcycle clothing for every body type. Plus, a brand-new embroidery machine was purchased, unleashing incredible creative customization possibilities. This initiative amplified the school's commitment to empowering students, allowing them to craft fashionable, repurposed clothing perfect for both everyday wear and show-stopping formal events.
Re-envisioning of School Kitchen
$4,000
The school kitchen, once under-equipped, has been revolutionized! This grant brought to life fully-equipped cooking stations, transforming the space into a vibrant culinary lab. Students now dive into project-based learning, mastering nutrition and sustainable eating by preparing delicious meals with ingredients harvested directly from the school's own garden. This incredible project has ignited a passion for healthy food and practical skills, creating a lasting impact on our students' lives.