Zamorano Fine Arts Academy Awarded $5,000 Education Grant

The Zamorano Fine Arts Academy, a Title 1 K-5 visual arts magnet school, received a $5,000 Barona Education Grant earlier this week from the Barona Band of Mission Indians. The school, located in the Paradise Hills area of San Diego, will use the funds to purchase six new laptop computers, six headphones and educational materials.

Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, who sponsored the grant application, Principal Caroline King and dozens of schoolchildren were in attendance to receive the award which was presented by Councilwoman Bonnie LaChappa of the Barona Band of Mission Indians.

"Making a difference in the lives of students, especially at risk youth, is what this program is all about," said Clifford LaChappa, Chairman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. "After reviewing the application from Zamorano Fine Arts Academy, it was clear that these materials were truly needed to help students improve their reading and language skills. We are thrilled that Assemblywoman Weber and Principal King reached out to us and are honored to support the school's mission."

Since 2006, the Barona Band of Mission Indians has awarded nearly $2 million to over 398 schools statewide to help bridge school budget gaps and share resources through its Barona Education Grant Program.

The Barona Education Grant Program is the first of its kind in California created and administered by a Tribal Government. The goal of the program is to create strong educational opportunities for the children of California building upon the success of the Barona Indian Charter School, which operates under a continuous improvement model. Schools throughout California can apply for educational grants from Barona to purchase much-needed supplies and materials that promote academic improvement. Each grant awarded by the Barona Education Grant Program is $5,000. Applications can be downloaded at http://barona-nsn.gov/education.

About the Barona Band of Mission Indians
The Barona Band of Mission Indians, recognized by the United States government as a sovereign nation, has lived on the Barona Indian Reservation in rural eastern San Diego County since 1932. Prior to that, the Tribe lived on the Capitan Grande Reservation which was established by the federal government in 1875. Long before living on a reservation, the Tribe traveled across Southern California in tune with the seasons and what nature provided. Today, the sovereign nation, governed by an elected Tribal Council, is serving its Tribal members, their families, and sharing with the San Diego region. One of the most successful gaming Tribes in the country, Barona also owns and operates the Barona Resort & Casino, San Diego's leading gaming resort, casino and golf course. For more information, visit www.barona-nsn.gov.