Community Builder
Meet our 2025 Community Builder finalists
There are many incredible endeavors happening in support of local students. As part of the 2025 OnPoint Prize campaign, we are pleased to recognize 10 schools as Community Builder award finalists. Four schools selected by the OnPoint Prize Committee will receive a $2,000 prize, while one lucky school, determined by online community votes, will receive a $5,000 prize. Select your favorite below to vote today!
Abiqua School (Salem, OR)
Abiqua School aims to transform a wooded area into an outdoor learning trail for students. The space will enhance lessons in science, writing, and art through nature-based experiences. Funds will be used to clear paths, install signage, seating, and learning stations along the trail.
Vote for Abiqua School
Adrienne C. Nelson High School (Happy Valley, OR)
Winter Blitz is a student-led holiday program supporting families in need with food, gifts, and household items. The program culminates in a community event with shopping, games, and a holiday carnival. Funds will be used to purchase food, clothing, gifts, and supplies for participating families.
Vote for Adrienne C. Nelson High School
Dufur School (Dufur, OR)
The Junior Ranger Sports Academy offers local youth access to sports instruction and mentorship through student-led camps. The program builds lifelong fitness habits and community spirit. Funds will be used to provide equipment and support for camps in football, volleyball, basketball, and more.
Vote for Dufur School
Innovation Academy (Medford, OR)
The school received an acre and a half of land to create a wetland and community garden for hands-on learning. Students will explore agriculture, science, and sustainability in partnership with local experts. Funds will be used to develop the garden space and support student-led projects.
Vote for Innovation Academy
Jackson Elementary (Medford, OR)
The Jackson Community Run Club promotes fitness, teamwork, and school spirit through a weekly running program. Students, staff, and families track miles, set goals, and celebrate milestones. Funds will be used for running trackers, milestone rewards, and event supplies to keep the program going strong.
Vote for Jackson Elementary
Morningside Elementary School (Salem, OR)
The school’s music program needs new choir risers to safely support student performances. The current risers are outdated and no longer secure. Funds will be used to purchase portable, stable risers so all students can be seen and heard during concerts and assemblies.
Vote for Morningside Elementary School
North Medford High School (Medford, OR)
Home to Oregon’s only high school planetarium, North Medford offers astronomy experiences to students and visiting elementary classes. The school plans to add the dome film Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity, narrated by Liam Neeson. Funds will be used to purchase this immersive educational film.
Vote for North Medford High School
Ruch Outdoor Community School (Jacksonville, OR)
Students are building a chicken coop and farm stand as part of a hands-on agriculture project. They’ve already incubated chicks and constructed a starter coop. Funds will be used to expand the chicken run and build a permanent farm stand to support continued student learning.
Vote for Ruch Outdoor Community School
Skyridge Middle School (Camas, WA)
In January 2024, a burst pipe caused over $6,000 in damage to the school library’s nonfiction collection. While insurance covered some losses, many books were not replaced. Funds will be used to restore and refresh the nonfiction section with current, high-interest titles to support student learning.
Vote for Skyridge Middle School
Sherwood Charter School (Sherwood, OR)
The school plans to create a Care Closet—an inclusive space for students and families in need. It will provide food, hygiene products, clothing, school supplies, and gift cards. Funds will be used to stock and maintain the closet so students can access essentials with dignity and ease.
Vote for Sherwood Charter School
About the OnPoint Community Builder award
The Community Builder Award aims to provide funding for schools to complete projects that enrich the school, students, and faculty. The award grants four schools a $2,000 prize, while one lucky school—determined by online community votes—receives a $5,000 prize.
When selecting finalists, the following criteria are considered:
Creativity and community
Will the project inspire creativity and strengthen the sense of community?
Broad segment
Will the project reach a broad segment of the school community?
Matching cost
Can the project be completed with the $2,000 or $5,000 Community Builder Award? If not, what is the plan to raise any outstanding funds needed?
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
How does this project incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Who is eligible?
OnPoint accepts project applications for the Community Builder Awards from public, private, or charter K-12 schools in the following counties:
Oregon: Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler, and Yamhill.
Washington: Clark and Skamania.