Simon Bean, an eighth-grader at King Middle School, has been awarded a $500 service-learning grant from Painting for a Purpose for his project, Building Community through Building Birdhouses. Simon hopes his project will aid fellow students in gaining insight into future career paths and opportunities as they continue their education.

Beginning this November, Simon plans to bring students together to research bird specific housing requirements and begin their designs. Once design plans are finalized, they will construct their bird houses, which will be uniquely decorated by each student and displayed throughout the school’s campus. Simon’s project will allow students to find self expression through design, and open doors to potential career paths through career and technical education (CTE) learning at the Portland Public Schools.

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 receive up to $500 to put their idea into action. Founded 15 years ago, Painting for a Purpose each year funds a wide variety of PPS students' amazing projects to benefit their community. Learn more at https://www.paintingforapurpose.net/

PHOTO: Pictured are some of the whimsical items Painting for a Purpose sells to raise money to fund student projects.