Students at Casco Bay High School and at Rowe Elementary School have won $500 Painting for a Purpose grants for community service projects they plan for each of their schools.

At Casco Bay High School, senior Heloise Bampton is planning to use the funds to support a CBHS Outing Club project in which she will lead an introductory overnight camping trip for peers who don’t have previous experience in the outdoors. “I personally have always found nature to be a healing and peaceful place, and my hope for this trip is to share that with others,” she wrote in her application. “I hope that people learn about basic outdoor skills, such as layering, cooking in the woods, and proper attire/equipment. For me, this trip will be successful if everyone has a fun time and learns how awesome the wilderness is. It would also be a success if everyone is motivated to continue spending time outside and wants to continue going on similar trips.”

A group of students at Rowe plan to use their grant to support their "Nutrition is the Best” project. The students are requesting funding for a nutrition kit called NutriPlay “My Day,” which is a game designed to teach students about making good food choices and the importance of good nutrition, while also increasing their fitness level. The students will also train this year’s fourth-graders, so they can continue the project with next year's students when they’re in fifth grade.

Painting for a Purpose is a local nonprofit organization founded by teachers. It brings creative people together to paint whimsical decorative items that they sell to raise money to fund service-learning projects led by Portland Public Schools students who want to make a difference. Students apply for the funding by writing grant proposals and can receive up to $500 to put their ideas into action.

PPS teachers and students: Painting for a Purpose has more grant available to help YOU with your service-learning project. Learn more and apply.