Jimmie Johnson Foundation announces $470,000 in education grants

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - During a scheduled visit today to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson announced the recipients of the 2013 Jimmie Johnson Foundation/Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Champions Grants. The grants, which are awarded to schools in Chandra and Jimmie Johnson’s respective hometowns of Muskogee, Okla., El Cajon, Calif., and where they currently reside in Charlotte, N.C., totaled $470,000.

Students from the three Charlotte schools that were awarded grants attended as Johnson made the announcement on behalf of the foundation he cofounded with his wife, Chandra, in 2006 as well as partner Lowe’s. Johnson shared that these schools, along with six others from Muskogee and the San Diego area, have been selected to receive the grants.

The 2013 Champions Grants were awarded to the following schools:

North Carolina
•Northwest Cabarrus High School (Concord, N.C.)
•Lansdowne Elementary IB World School (Charlotte, N.C.)
•Sugar Creek Charter School (Charlotte, N.C.)

California
•Cajon Valley Middle School (El Cajon, Calif.)
•Johnson Elementary School (El Cajon, Calif.)
•Kumeyaay Elementary School (San Diego, Calif.)

Oklahoma
•Benjamin Franklin Science Academy (Muskogee, Okla.)
•Oklahoma School for the Blind (Muskogee, Okla.)
•Whittier Elementary School (Muskogee, Okla.)

The funded projects for 2013 range from resurfacing and rubberizing a track to outdoor learning centers. Several schools also received technology grants to purchase new computers.

"It builds a better tomorrow,” said Daniel Wheeler, a sixth-grade student from KIPP Charlotte, a 2012 grant recipient. “It means a lot because Mr. Johnson chose (to help) this school and not only has it taken an effect on our grades, but it has taken an effect on our hearts, too."

“When you hear from students like Daniel you realize how much the kids we support really appreciate the opportunity to learn,” said Johnson, who is currently atop the standings in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship. “The fact that the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and the Lowe’s Toolbox for Education program can come together to impact the learning experience for these kids is very gratifying.”

More than $3.1 million has been contributed over the past four years through the Champions Grant program.

“Lowe’s is honored to continue to partner with Jimmie and Chandra Johnson to support the needs of local students and schools across the country,” said Joan Higginbotham, Lowe’s director of community relations. “These grants will help enhance critical educational opportunities and build a stronger foundation for thousands of children.”

To see a detailed list of the 2013 Champions Grant projects, please visit www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org.