WJES Awarded Vibrant Communities Grant

West Jackson Elementary School has been awarded the Vibrant Communities Grant by the Georgia Council for the Arts, the Georgia Department of Economic Development team specialized in supporting arts and culture for fiscal year 25. West Jackson Elementary was awarded $1,121, as part of the grant. 

At West Jackson Elementary, the grant will focus on the school's work with non-profit MicroPlasticsJO, which is dedicated to the preservation of natural systems on which all life depends on empowering local communities to rethink, reduce and reuse single-use plastics. 

As part of the grant, third-grade students at WJES will be immersed in a comprehensive learning experience that integrates environmental science and artistic expression. The focus is on understanding the vital role of the Oconee River, highlighting the environmental challenges it faces, such as pollution. Students at WJES will go through workshops in early November, as part of the educational experience. 

The Vibrant Communities Grant supports a variety of arts programming throughout the state, including murals, artist residencies and performances in schools, community theater productions, festivals, and concerts. As part of this year’s Vibrant Communities awards, 47 entities in 37 counties will receive over $190,890 in funding.