Education Briefs

Shelton schools offer free cooking classes

The Shelton School District and Washington State University’s Mason Extension host a free three-part series of cooking and nutrition classes.

The classes are from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 15 and 29 and Nov. 5 at Oakland Bay Junior High School, 3301 N. Shelton Springs Road. Participants must be able to attend all three classes as the content and skills build on upon one another. To register, go to sheltonschools.org and click “HEAT cooking classes.”

The classes are open to anyone 16 and older who lives in the community. If requested, a Spanish interpreter will be there. Free child care is available.

The classes are hands-on. Participants will learn how to cook a meal with the help of a professional nutritionist, and about nutrition labels, knife skills, portion control, food groups, thrifty meal shopping and planning.

Grants available for women returning to school

The Shelton chapter of the nonprofit women’s Philanthropic Education Organization Chapter B is offering a grant of up to $1,000 to a woman who is returning to college to further her education, and several grants of up to $4,000 for continuing education.

The group is dedicated to helping women achieve their educational goals. The Mary M. Knight Achievement Award honors Mary M. Knight, a Mason County pioneer educator and a member of Chapter B. This award has been supporting women’s education in Mason County since 1936. To qualify, the student must have graduated from high school or earned a GED; live in Mason County; plan to earn a degree or certification; and be enrolled in the 2024-25 school year in an accredited academic or technical college. The award is intended to defray costs related to education and must be used for tuition, fees, books and other related expenses. The award will be sent directly to the college.

The Program for Continuing Education Grant of up to $4,000 is available to women who have been out of school for at least two years and are returning to school to complete an academic or technical program. The applicant must be within 18 consecutive months of completing her educational program. The grant covers education-related expenses such as tuition, books, supplies, transportation, childcare, required uniforms, testing fees, equipment and tools. The grant is paid directly to the student.

Applications for the award and the grants can be emailed to [email protected]. Include your name, city of residence and college or technical school.