Schools receive $25-million donation

Mathis Winkler

NEWPORT BEACH -- Twenty-five million dollars.

That’s the amount of money The Irvine Co. and the Donald Bren

Foundation pledged Wednesday to boost education in local schools.

The money -- $15 million from the foundation and $10 million from the

development company -- will mainly go to the Newport-Mesa, Irvine and

Tustin, Orange and Laguna Beach unified school districts, all which serve

Irvine Ranch.

With education topping the list of priorities at all levels, ranging

from presidential campaigns to Orange County residents’ concerns, Irvine

Co. officials said donating to schools seemed like a timely thing to do.

“It’s the right focus,” said Gary Hunt, the company’s executive vice

president for corporate affairs, and a board member of the foundation.

“To the extent that we can help support school districts in enhancing the

educational experience for students, we’re happy and prepared to do so.”

While excited about the donation, Newport-Mesa Unified School District

officials said they will need to sit down with company and foundation

representatives to figure out ways to use the money.

“It’s good to see that a major business such as The Irvine Co.

recognizes that educated students make for a good economic base, too,”

said Supt. Robert Barbot, adding that he’d like to see an expansion of

the district’s science, arts and music programs.

All Newport-Mesa schools -- and districtwide programs -- are eligible

to apply for a grant, but priority will be given to campuses serving the

residents of Irvine Ranch. The major holding of The Irvine Co., Irvine

Ranch covers roughly 100 square miles, including Fashion Island and

Newport Coast.

In addition to required funding for schools in Irvine Co. residential

developments, the company and the foundation have donated about $138

million to education in the last 20 years.

The foundation’s Educational Enrichment Fund will distribute the money

through grants to programs focusing on the sciences, technology, music

and the visual and performing arts.

The foundation will accept grant applications immediately, but

district superintendents must approve all requests. Priority will be

given to applications that can match grants with other donations or

government funding.

The company’s contribution to its Educational Excellence Program will

support projects that encourage, recognize and reward educational

excellence. The company already gives scholarships and leadership awards

to outstanding students, teachers and principals each year.

FYI

For grant applications and additional information, call (949)

720-3407.