West Monroe, La. — The West Monroe–West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce announced expanded support for local educators through the 2026 Building Bridges Teacher Grant Program, made possible through the generosity of a private donor and the support of Pattern Energy. This new investment allows the program to double the number of classroom grants awarded this year, significantly increasing its reach and impact across Ouachita Parish.
Administered in partnership with Ouachita Parish Schools through the Chamber’s Adopt-A-School initiative, the Building Bridges Teacher Grants provide $500 classroom grants to support instructional materials, hands-on learning tools and innovative educational resources that directly enhance student learning.
“This program represents the business community’s commitment to supporting teachers in meaningful, practical ways,” said Kristopher Kelley, executive director of the West Monroe–West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce. “When we invest in classrooms, we invest in the future workforce and in the success of our entire community.”
The expanded funding ensures more teachers across elementary, middle and high school classrooms will receive support without adding extra burden to educators. Grants are designed to meet real classroom needs, from supplies and curriculum tools to creative learning resources that help students thrive.
Due to recent weather-related closures across the region, the deadline for the 2026 Building Bridges Teacher Grants has been extended to Friday, February 13, to ensure all educators have a fair opportunity to complete and submit their applications.
The Chamber encourages all eligible educators to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen learning environments for students throughout the parish.
For more information about the Building Bridges Teacher Grants or the Chamber’s education initiatives, contact the West Monroe–West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce.
Application link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNXmAZF1l0L6eVTsUev3wOzKUJtDMs-SEWWwM4Rg_fC62Mbw/viewform