Expansion made possible by $530,000 in grants to The Ray Center at Drake University
The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University—the global hub for CHARACTER COUNTS!—is proud to announce that new early childhood resources were provided to 1,687 early childhood and kindergarten classrooms in Polk County. With this expansion, the program’s reach will double to more than 30% of classrooms across the state thanks to $530,000 in grants.
The early childhood kits are provided at no cost to the classrooms, and include lesson plans, family guides, music, and posters. Instructors can receive on-site training at The Ray Center or through webinars.
“Our goal is to get CHARACTER COUNTS! into every classroom in the state of Iowa,” said Scott Raeker, executive director of The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University. “We’ve seen a phenomenal response to these resources and are incredibly thankful for these grants, which will significantly expand our reach within Central Iowa.”
The announcement was made at an event held at the Gregory and Suzie Glazer Burt Club at Drake University on the morning of May 15, featuring speakers the following speakers:
- Scott Raecker, Executive Director, The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center
- Walter Lauridsen, The Lauridsen Family Foundation
- Cassidy LeCroy, Director, The Bob & Billie Ray Child Development Center
- Marty Martin, President, Drake University
Watch a full recording of the event.
The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University serves as the global home for CHARACTER COUNTS!, which uses the Six Pillars of Character (trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship) to create strong, vibrant communities that value positive, healthy relationships, and respectful behavior. Research-based strategies from CHARACTER COUNTS! are helping schools and organizations all over the world practice character skills and shape a positive culture. Learn more about the global impact.
Proven results
The CHARACTER COUNTS! initiative has shown a statistically significant impact on student success for many years. For instance, schools in Buffalo, New York, demonstrated an 8.7% increase in high school graduation rates, a 6.7% improvement in attendance rate, a 5.8% increase in elementary math proficiency rates, and a 7.7% increase in elementary English proficiency rates. See more results from schools across the country.
Grants to make it possible
The $530,000 in grants came from the Lauridsen Family Foundation, Prairie Meadows Legacy Grant Program, Polk County Community Development and Community Betterment program, and the Gartner Family Foundation. These grants provide resources and training focused on building students’ character, social-emotional, and academic skills while shaping a positive school culture.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work The Ray Center is doing to live up to Drake’s inspiration statement of transforming lives and strengthening communities,” said Drake University president Marty Martin. “As the global home for CHARACTER COUNTS!, the generous support of our community partners and donors is impacting the lives of youth not just in our community, but the lives of more than 9 million youth worldwide.”
Learn more about The Ray Center by visiting our website.