Led by entrepreneur Chad Price, MAKO Medical Laboratories has pledged to double funding for hard-working Vance County teachers. The nationally recognized reference laboratory will be matching the recent $5,000 donation that the Vance County Public School Foundation has made to educators in the local region. The donations will go toward the Learning that Extends Actual Performances (LEAP) grants and are set to significantly impact the quality of learning programs that educators can offer students in the Vance County area.

Learning that Extends Actual Performances (LEAP) Grants

Co-sponsored by the Teacher Executive Institute, the Learning that Extends Actual Performances (LEAP) grants are a series of mini-grants that are available on an annual basis. Educators who are eligible for the grants could receive small sums of money to support their ongoing practices. For instance, the funding allows them to explore new and innovative teaching approaches that greatly benefit students’ learning experience.

“MAKO Medical values the vital work of educators. We are honored to be able to help educators implement their innovative ideas in the classrooms,” said Josh Arant, COO, MAKO Medical Laboratories. This donation toward Vance County educators highlights the reference laboratory’s ongoing commitment to serving the local community. The well-known healthcare brand has a long history of offering funds to community projects and grants. Moreover, the company also supports local veterans by offering them employment opportunities.

After the Vance County Public School Foundation initially committed to donating $5,000 to the grant scheme, Chad Price and his co-founders doubled that donation. The move brings the total to $10,000, an amount that will be warmly received by educators in the wider district. More information on how teachers can apply for the Learning that Extends Actual Performances (LEAP) grants will be available soon. Once local teachers have applied for these grants, they will then receive them in August this year.

The Vance County Public School Foundation

With the aim of “promoting quality in our public schools”, the Vance County Public School Foundation is dedicated to supporting teachers and educators. For that reason, the foundation provides a wealth of support for professionals in the area. Led by Col. Archie Taylor, President, and Rev. Abidan Shah, Vice President, the organization provides financial aid for teaching workshops, special activities, and school system projects.

The Learning that Extends Actual Performances (LEAP) grants are the latest in the long line of opportunities that the foundation has ensured for educators. The Vance County Public School Foundation also offers frequent monetary awards for the local teacher of the year, the principal of the year, and also any local teachers who gain National Board Certification. These donations support teachers’ efforts to improve the education system.

“The foundation appreciates MAKO’s support for our mission of promoting quality programs in public schools. We will ensure that these mini-grants have the greatest impact on our educators and students,” explained Aarika Sandlin, Public Information Officer for Vance County Schools upon the announcement of the grants.

Reflecting on the past year and the ongoing pandemic, these mini-grants could make all the difference to both educators and students in the region. The various COVID-19 restrictions made to everyday education can’t be overestimated. For many, adapting to an entirely new way of learning was challenging. With that in mind, this extra level of funding could help educators turn things around for their classes. Armed with some more support, these professionals can enhance the experience they offer to students.

“We welcome additional donations for companies and individuals wanting to support our Vance County educators. We all know how tough 2020 was on students, teachers, and families. Helping our teachers enact their innovative ideas to improve classroom performance is a great way to support teachers and students,” continued Aarika Sandlin.

About MAKO Medical Laboratories

Supported by an expert team of nationally recognized doctors and PhDs, MAKO Medical Laboratories specializes in methodology development and pathological services. The game-changing testing company and labs prioritize patients by offering transparency.

Started in 2014 by Chad Price, Adam Price, and Josh Arant, it aims to disrupt the sector. Additionally, MAKO Medical offers support to veterans. The company combines a wealth of new technology including robotics, app platforms, and cloud-based tech. In response to the pandemic, the laboratories have adapted their services to offer accurate testing.

Chad Price is the CEO of MAKO Medical Laboratories. He has had a long entrepreneurial career previously co-founding BrideGenie and founding Element Services Group Mechanical LLC. He has played a major role in starting Cary Reconstruction and is a board member for Trill A.I. Moreover, he currently offers tailored consulting services to companies embarking on new mergers or primed for growth.