In 2022, Tracy Diehl, the grant writer for Ferndale School District, noticed that Ferndale’s middle school robotics programs needed some new kits. While doing some research, she discovered foundry10, an education research organization with a philanthropic focus on expanding ideas about learning and creating direct value for youth, and quickly realized that their goals aligned.

“We both aim to provide students with up-to-date resources in science and technology, along with afterschool clubs and programming,” Diehl said.

Diehl cold-called foundry10’s co-founder and CEO, Lisa Castaneda, and launched a partnership that continues to benefit Ferndale students in a variety of ways. Castaneda and foundry10 have provided funding not just for Ferndale’s robotics programs, but have also supported sixth grade athletics, an after-school art-club, new musical instruments, and so much more.

“It’s thrilling when we get to partner with districts like Ferndale, where there’s a dialog about how to make these gifts the most useful so students can really take advantage of it,” said Castaneda.

“They have been a great partner for us,” added Diehl.

Since its launch in 2013, foundry10 has provided funding for hundreds of different projects throughout Washington state and beyond. The Seattle-based organization takes a unique approach that blends applied and experimental research, philanthropy, and education programs to support youth learning and education needs.

“Education often faces a funding problem – that’s why we operate as a philanthropic organization, so the barriers are removed,” Castaneda said. “If we’re finding something that’s a best practice for kids, and if a school or community group can’t afford it, we provide funding for that.”

One example of how foundry10 uses research to determine how to support Ferndale is their funding for sixth-grade athletics at Horizon and Vista middle schools. The organization had research that showed after-school sports were beneficial for middle schoolers’ development. Diehl and Ferndale School District made sure this investment was something locals wanted before giving foundry10 the green light.

“Ferndale asked us to pause moving forward until they talked to the community to really understand what was wanted and needed, which really impressed us,” Castaneda said. “It was really thoughtful, they weren’t just going to plunk money down on sports because they could. Ferndale took the time to use the funding well and made the most value for kids.”

Last year, alongside covering the costs of sixth grade sports, foundry10 also provided funding for after-school arts and robotics clubs for sixth graders. Diehl said until recently, Ferndale sixth graders didn’t’ have many safe, educational, and fun after-school options compared to their younger and older counterparts.

“It’s hard to build relationships and learn how to work as a team when there aren’t those types of clubs and athletics available,” she said.

This school year, foundry10 is providing additional financial support for Ferndale’s summer theatre camp, which will cover fees for families who can’t afford tuition. They’re also purchasing many new musical instruments – French horns, violins, and a cello, along with 30 ukuleles and keyboard covers for the high school’s adaptive music class.

Diehl and Castaneda both value their organizations’ partnership and how it has benefitted Ferndale students.

“I’m super grateful for them,” Diehl said of foundry10.

“I can’t say enough how wonderful it’s been to work with Ferndale,” Castaneda added.