Grant Written By Epstein Student Results In
Purchase Of Eco-Friendly Hand Dryers:
Environmentally conscious Epstein Middle School student JR Stein, wrote a grant proposal when he was a sixth grader and sent it to a youth-run philanthropy program for Jewish teens, Door and Ladder Society in an effort to obtain funding for
energy efficient, “no-touch” hand dryers to replace paper towels as part of an ecology pilot program. Epstein’s Head of School, Stan Beiner suggested to JR that he write a grant proposal, after he had seen the philanthropy group’s requests for proposals; Jr. had originally brought up the idea to Mr. Beiner as a fifth grader, but at that time there were no funds available.
The Epstein School received a $2,500 grant. When the grant money was received, the teen Board of Directors for the youth-run philanthropy group, who recommended the grant cited as one of the reasons it granted the monies the following:
They particularly liked the emphasis on the environment, and the message it sent, that a young person can make a difference in the community and that his/her voice could be heard.
JR researched hand dryer companies and found one of particular interest, Excel hand dryers. In conversations with the company president, JR was able to obtain two dryers for the price of one as part of this pilot project. The monies received have now resulted in the purchase of eight new energy efficient and eco-friendly Excel hand dryers, which JR is hoping will reduce paper towel waste, conserve energy and promote hygiene.
“We applaud JR’s efforts towards promoting environmental issues at Epstein, as we to strive to be good stewards of the environment, focus on energy conservation, and reduce, reuse and recycle wherever possible,” stated Head of School Stan Beiner.
To learn more about The Epstein School please visit www.epsteinatlanta.org.