For over a decade, The Grable Foundation has been a key partner in Baldwin-Whitehall School District’s mission to create student-centered, equity-focused, and future-driven learning experiences. Their generous support has fueled innovative programs, empowered students, and expanded opportunities across multiple disciplines.
To celebrate this contribution Bart Rocco, Bille Rondinelli, and Gregg Behr were recognized as Highlander Heroes at the March 12 School Board of Directors Meeting.
Because of Grable’s unwavering support, Baldwin-Whitehall has been able to dream bigger, innovate faster, and create meaningful learning experiences for all students. Whether through STEM, esports, drone technology, media literacy, or equity-driven initiatives, the foundation has helped shape the future of education in our district.
We are grateful for this partnership, and we look forward to continuing to grow, dream, and inspire students together.
Below is a summary of their landmark support.
Moonshot Grants – Total Funding: $115,000
The Grable Foundation has propelled the district forward with ambitious initiatives that redefine student learning:
- Fly Like a Girl (FLAG) Drone Academy – $110,000
- Round 1: $70,000
- Round 2: $40,000
- Supported by a Moonshot Grant from Remake Learning, this groundbreaking program encourages high school girls to explore careers in aviation.
- Participants receive hands-on drone training, experience aerospace technology, and work toward earning their FAA drone pilot licenses.
- The inaugural cohort welcomed students from Baldwin-Whitehall and surrounding districts, setting a precedent for future aviation-focused education.
- IGNITE Special Education Pathway – $5,000
- Supports personalized learning opportunities for students receiving special education services.
National Moonshot & Learning 2025
Baldwin-Whitehall continues to be a regional and national leader in transforming education for the future:
- Western Pennsylvania Learning 2025 Alliance
- The district received support to participate in this regional cohort of student-centered, equity-focused school districts.
- This initiative aligns with AASA’s Learning 2025 vision for future-ready schools.
Tugboat Grants – Fueling Innovation in Our Schools
Grable has provided additional funding to enhance hands-on learning experiences:
- Esports Program Development – $25,000
- Baldwin High School launched an esports program for grades 7-12, blending competitive gaming with lessons in strategy, teamwork, and critical thinking.
- Creative Play – $20,000
- Encourages innovative and imaginative play-based learning experiences for students.
- Future Farmers: Cultivating Equity and Innovation through Sustainable Farming– $20,000
- Supports hands-on agricultural learning opportunities within the district.
Fostering Media Literacy and Innovation
- Media Literacy Initiatives
- Collaborations with Peter Adams (News Literacy Project) and Mike Zula to enhance students’ ability to critically analyze media and information.
- Southwestern Pennsylvania Personalized Learning Network
- Baldwin-Whitehall educators participate in a regional network focused on personalized learning strategies.
- Pittsburgh FAB Institute & Baldwin-Whitehall Fab Lab
- The district leverages these spaces to integrate STEM, engineering, and hands-on design into classrooms.
IKS Highlander & Future-Focused Learning
- IKS Highlander – $50,000
- A fully immersive learning environment where students engage in problem-solving, teamwork, and real-world simulations.
Expanding Critical Thinking & Social Impact Learning
- Pilot Program for Critical-Thinking & Problem-Solving Skills
- The district, along with two neighboring districts, launched a pilot integrating animation and the 16 Habits of Mind into student learning.
- LIGHT Education Initiative – $3,800
- Funded a district-wide event featuring Shannon Foley Martinez, a former white supremacist who shared her story of transformation, teaching students about resilience, hope, and the power of change.
Grable’s Commitment to Professional Learning & Networking
Through Grable’s generosity, Baldwin-Whitehall educators and leaders have had opportunities to learn from the best and bring innovative ideas back to our district:
- Support for Remake Learning Days – Expanding access to innovative learning experiences for students.
- Reimagining High School Learning Tour – A visit to the Mineola Union Free School District, a national leader in student-centered learning.
- Professional Conferences & Workshops:
- Forge Futures
- AASA National Conference on Education
- iNACOL Symposium
- SXSW
- ASU+GSV Summit
- Learning 2025 National Summit
- Hacktivation Nation at Stanford d.school
A Legacy of Support & Engagement
Grable’s leadership has directly inspired Baldwin-Whitehall educators and students:
- Gregg Behr’s Visits to Baldwin-Whitehall:
- Last visit to the School Board: January 10, 2018
- Keynote at Opening Day Ceremonies: August 2022
- Ryan Rydzewski’s Opening Day Keynote: August 2021
Signature Programs & Events Supported by Grable
- Little Bets – Encouraging innovative, small-scale experiments to drive learning.
- discoverED & CelebrateED (2019) – Showcasing best practices in education.
- Wonder Media – Integrating storytelling, creativity, and animation into learning.
- BWEF Virtual Hall of Fame Video – Celebrating alumni and community impact.
Recent Grants & Continued Support
- Western PA Learning 2025 Alliance – $20,029 (2022)
- Canvas Grant – $13,894 (2020) – Supporting digital learning infrastructure.