GROW Grant Supports Student Success
BEF NEWS

GROW Grant Supports Student Success
Friday, January 24th, 2025
Last summer, BEF received a $10,000 GROW Grant from Advantis Credit Union to support student-run businesses in Beaverton School District high schools. The GROW Grant is a competitive process that relies on community votes to determine the winning proposals. BEF created an application opportunity for high school student-run businesses to propose how they would use grant funds to launch or grow their businesses. In the end, BEF provided three schools with resources to create innovative, career-connected learning opportunities for their students.

At the Beaverton Academy of Science and Engineering (BASE), students participating in the after-school Engineering Tech Team used the grant funds to purchase a fiber laser machine. In this program, students manage the entire process of receiving orders, creating work plans, and delivering products to the school community. One student shared, “It’s been really fun to learn how to control the laser and make it work right. I am learning a lot of new skills.” This hands-on learning experience helps develop skills in technology, finance, and project management.
Southridge High School’s Hawk Shop, a collaborative, student-run enterprise, used grant funds to buy a vinyl printer and cutter to expand printing services for the school community. Like the BASE Tech Team, Hawk Shop students encountered challenges in calibrating the new equipment and learned valuable lessons about problem-solving and resilience and are moving ahead in expanding product lines to meet customer demands. Teacher Kyle Chamberlain is proud of the program: “The students are completely in charge of the Hawk Shop from training to project completion. They own it completely.”
Sunset High School’s Maker’s Space used the funding to purchase a screen printer, an embroidery machine, and other supplies to support their Maker’s Market events. Students in the Product Design class and the Fab Lab used the new equipment to design and create artwork for sale during Makers’ Market. One event was held before winter break, and another is planned for the spring. Profits from sales are reinvested to help Maker’s Space become self-sufficient. By combining art and entrepreneurship, the program allows students to develop a range of valuable skills. One student shared, “I’ve always loved being artistic, but this market has let me explore the business side of making and selling, which makes it feel more real-life and less of a hobby. Now I feel like I have a good reason for spending my time on it!”
These three examples illustrate the positive impact of the Advantis GROW Grant: empowering Beaverton students to learn through hands-on experiences, develop business acumen, and explore future career pathways.