Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Test Kitchen Education Foundation
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1601 Avenue D
City: Fort Madison
State: IA
Postal Code: 52627
Main Phone: 3194703112
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.tkef.org
Employer ID Number: 47-4584092
Organization Tax Status: Non Profit

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03-29-2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Test Kitchen Education Foundation Summer Programs
Project Description:

The Test Kitchen Education Foundation (TKEF) is a non-profit organization run by passionate volunteers, committed to enriching education and community engagement in Fort Madison (Lee County) IA. Lee county is one of the poorest communities in the state. TKEF’s summer program stands out for its tailored approach to address the specific needs of this community with a particular emphasis on STEM education for underprivileged youth in grades 4-8. Our afterschool program, led by 10 certified teachers and 4 student aids, operates during the school year, providing a safe space with a variety of educational activities. Summer camps extend the learning experience with themed sessions covering cooking, history, STEM, music, math, and etiquette, alongside enriching field trips and hands-on challenges like robotics and environmental science.
To provide fair access to education in economically disadvantaged areas, our program delivers STEM education, sports, music, and nutritious meals sourced from donations. Our goal is to promote academic success for every child by fostering critical thinking abilities and preparing them for future career paths.
We integrate academics with culinary lessons, along with the enjoyment of meals prepared by volunteer chefs. This initiative tackles food preparation but also participants are equipped with valuable culinary expertise to share with their families promoting healthy meal preparation. Research indicates beneficial effects of afterschool initiatives on student outcomes, including enhanced test scores, attendance, behavior, and graduation rates, alongside a decrease in poverty and involvement in the justice system.
TKEF fulfills a crucial need by providing accessible STEM education and enrichment activities to disadvantaged youth, while aligning broader goals of supporting afterschool initiatives. Through partnerships and innovative programming, we empower students to excel academically and pursue rewarding careers in STEM fields.

Total Project Budget: $20,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Corporate Sponsorship: Iowa Fertilizer Plant $5000 , Roquette $5000

Project Duration: Summer Camps June 1st 2024 – August 31, 2024
Geographical Area Served: Lee County, Iowa
Age Group To Be Served: 9 – 13 year olds

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Kumar
Contact Last Name: Wickramasingha
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 3194703112
Contact Email: kumarw94@gmail.com