Alpine Lakes Elementary School receives $5,000 skateboarding grant for physical education program

LEAVENWORTH— First Push Syndicate has selected Alpine Lakes Elementary School as its Washington recipient for its Get On Board Gear Grant program, providing $5,000 in skateboarding equipment and training for the 2024-25 school year.

The school joins 16 other grant recipients across 13 states and the District of Columbia in a nationwide initiative to incorporate skateboarding into physical education curricula.

Alpine Lakes Elementary School Physical Education Teacher Isabelle Auty sees the program as an opportunity to expand students' physical education experience.

"With the First Push grant, my students will experience the joy of skateboarding along with building confidence, resilience, and essential skills like balance and coordination through this exciting activity. The training and resources from First Push will ensure a successful program. Leavenworth's passion for outdoor recreation makes it the perfect place to introduce skateboarding, fostering a love for physical activity and creating well-rounded, persistent learners," said Auty.

"Isabelle will be a fantastic addition to the Get On Board teachers roster. She brings so much to the program, from knowing how to skateboard to having multiple certifications to instruct in skiing and snowboarding. We are incredibly excited about the Leavenworth community and can't wait to see students in town add to the history of skateboarding in Washington," said Beau Lambert, Executive Director of FPS.

The program extends beyond traditional physical education, incorporating skateboarding-themed art, science, and reading activities into its curriculum. This cross-curricular approach aims to build student confidence, creativity, and social connections.

First Push Syndicate reports substantial growth in its Get On Board program, with 10,175 participants logging 22,260 student learning hours in the past year. The New Hampshire-based nonprofit expects to reach a milestone in 2025, surpassing 100,000 total student participants since the program's 2013 launch.

The organization expanded its reach in 2024 with the introduction of a national gear grant. Beyond skateboarding initiatives, FPS provides in-person support and operates bicycling programs throughout northern New England.

For more information about First Push Syndicate and its programs, visit firstpush.org.