In August 2025, Pride in the Tiger Foundation was honored to receive a $25,000 Community Grant from the Taco Bell Foundation to support Family & Consumer Science (FACS) programs at Marshall High School and Marshall Middle School.
This marks the third year Pride in the Tiger has been selected as a grant recipient. In 2025 alone, the Taco Bell Foundation awarded a record-breaking $28 million in Community Grants to nearly 500 nonprofit organizations nationwide, investing in bold approaches that create new opportunities for young people.
Expanding Hands-On Learning Opportunities
Grant funding was used to upgrade classroom equipment and instructional resources at Marshall High School and Marshall Middle School. Courses that benefited from these funds include Family & Consumer Science, Child Development, Foods I & II, Living on Your Own, and Fashion & Interior Design. Additional programs benefiting from the new equipment include Health, Food Science, and Special Education Life Skills.
New ovens, microwaves, refrigerators, 7-quart mixers, cake decorating sets, springform pans, updated textbooks, and classroom supplies are transforming the student experience at Marshall High School. Marshall Middle School also received upgraded classroom equipment including ovens, refrigerators, a washer and dryer and stand mixers, giving younger students access to the same hands-on learning experiences. Much of the equipment being replaced was over 20 years old and had reached the end of its lifespan.
“With much of our equipment more than 20 years old, this upgrade has been incredibly impactful,” said Kris Campion, Family & Consumer Science teacher at Marshall High School. “Having modern, efficient appliances allows students to safely learn essential culinary techniques, practice food safety, and build confidence in the kitchen. It also increases efficiency in our classroom so we can expand the skills students are able to master.”
With updated equipment and resources, students are now able to:
- Build culinary and food safety skills aligned with restaurant industry pathways
- Learn personal finance and budget strategies
- Prepare quick, budget-friendly family meals
- Develop independence and essential life skills
The Career-Based Foods curriculum, funded by the National Restaurant Association, helps prepare students for careers in the hospitality and food service industries, while other courses focus on nutrition, child development, economics for families, and independent living skills.
Removing Barriers and Supporting All Learners
The grant also addresses equity gaps by providing classroom supplies for Fashion & Interior Design courses, ensuring that students who may not be able to purchase their own materials can fully participate. Additionally, students who are new to the country are learning how to safely use modern kitchen equipment, skills that not only benefit them academically but also help their families adapt and thrive in the Marshall community
Investing in Students and the Local Community
All appliances were purchased locally at Patzer’s in Marshall, keeping grant dollars within the community while meeting classroom needs and budget requirements.
“This grant allows us to reach more students with the tools and guidance they need to build a successful future and develop the essential knowledge and skills to lead better lives, be work and career ready, build strong families, and make meaningful contributions to their communities,” said Krista Bjella, Executive Director of Pride in the Tiger Foundation. “We’re grateful to the Taco Bell Foundation and our local Taco Bell for believing in our mission and investing in the potential of our youth.”
Pride in the Tiger Foundation was nominated for the grant by local Taco Bell franchisee Todd Versteeg, whose continued commitment to uplifting youth continues to expand access to education and career readiness opportunities in Marshall. By supporting Family & Consumer Science programs at both the middle and high school levels, this grant helps create a strong learning pipeline where students can begin building essential life and career skills early and continue developing them throughout their educational journey. Through this investment, students in Marshall’s schools are gaining practical, real-world skills that prepare them not just for graduation, but for life.
