Oct 06, 2023
The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University will provide its CHARACTER COUNTS! for Early Childhood resources without cost to every early childhood and kindergarten classroom in Polk County thanks to a lead gift from Walter Lauridsen and significant grants from Prairie Meadows and the Polk County Board of Supervisors.
The Ray Center’s CHARACTER COUNTS! for Early Childhood resources provide guidance to early childhood educators and families on how to teach young children about good character. These lessons, tailored to students from preschool through second grade, are built on the Six Pillars of Character—trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
The Ray Center’s CHARACTER COUNTS! for Early Childhood initiative addresses a significant need in early childhood classrooms for materials that educate children about social/emotional skills, improve school readiness, and effectively engage families in their child’s development.
The philanthropic support from Lauridsen, who is a member of The Ray Center’s National Advisory Council; Prairie Meadows; and the Polk County Board of Supervisors will enable The Ray Center to reach more than 37,000 students and their families over two years.
“These gifts and grants provide valuable resources to Iowans and help promote good character, civility, and ethical leadership,” says Scott Raecker, executive director of The Ray Center. “We are grateful for our donors’ dedication to transforming lives and strengthening communities.”
By elevating Drake together, we will secure a more vibrant future for those who follow our footsteps. Join the ones who will transform Drake’s vision into a reality by adding your support to the campaign for the brave & bold.
