LAKE PLACID — For the first time, the Educational Opportunity Fund for the Lake Placid Central School District will give students the opportunity to propose projects.

This latest round of grants, dubbed Student Choice Awards, asks Lake Placid students in grades 4 through 12 to submit proposals with the help of a mentor that aim to make a positive impact in the school or community. Grants will range from $250 to $1,000 each.

As an independent charitable fund organized by a group of engaged and enthusiastic alumni, parents and educators, the fund is committed to promoting extraordinary educational opportunities that enhance the learning and life-chances of Lake Placid Central School District children and give every student the opportunity for success.

Now in its third year, the Educational Opportunity Fund has awarded more than $12,000 in grant funding to initiatives proposed by district teachers and staff that promote excellence and innovation in teaching and learning to date. Previous grants at each of the three school levels have enabled the purchase of drone robots and Chromebooks, helped fund Little Libraries and projects that get students outside, and helped to complete funding for the Backpack Food program.

The grants have also provided assistance to students whose academic needs have outweighed their financial resources.

The community is invited to a free event, open to parents, community members and alumni, to learn more about the Educational Opportunity Fund for the Lake Placid Central School District and the projects it funds, Thursday, Oct. 5 at the Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex.

Guests are invited to watch district students ski jump from the stands below followed by refreshments in the 90m tower.

Those wishing to contribute to the Opportunity Fund’s latest round of grants may make a tax-deductible gift of any size at www.adirondackgives.org or the Adirondack Foundation website at www.adirondackfoundation.org. You may also mail your gift to the Educational Opportunity Fund for the Lake Placid Central School District c/o Adirondack Foundation, PO Box 288, Lake Placid, NY 12946.