The Krystal Foundation announced $29,520 in funding for 14 schools selected from a record-high number of applicants during its first grant window for the 2019-2020 academic year. These grants support local enrichment programs in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) as well as music, sports and culinary arts. Sponsored by The Krystal Company, the Foundation has awarded $315,902 in grants to 124 schools and affiliated organizations across Krystal’s nine- state footprint since its inception in 2016.

“The Foundation allows us to make a meaningful difference for the children of our customers and employees,” says Angela Johnson, president of The Krystal Foundation and senior director of marketing communications for Krystal. “We’re proud to give back to the communities in which we serve our famous steamed Krystal burgers through grants for STEAM initiatives, culinary programs and sports.”

Hixson High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee will use the funds for its CALMM program for higher functioning autistic children who are working toward a regular diploma. Participating students will integrate classroom knowledge with real world experiences by learning how to buy, prepare and serve food, maintaining a safe environment and a sanitary kitchen.

Students at St. Teresa School in Titusville, Florida will be introduced to gardening as a means of understanding the interactions between plants, butterflies and the community. They will plant and care for the garden and for the butterflies that will reside there. Building Beyond the Walls, a nonprofit in South Carolina, will apply its grant money toward mentoring young male students and introducing them to STEAM learning challenges.

The next grant window opens April 1 and extends through April 30. Teachers, principals, school faculty, PTO/PTA groups and other K-12 school-affiliated organizations are all eligible and encouraged to apply for grants during April at thekrystalfoundation.com