Our Work
JREF is a community-based nonprofit that provides funding for innovative educational opportunities beyond the scope of the regular school budget. Our vision is for each student to be provided with an education that promotes inquiry, resiliency, and success. Thanks to generous local businesses and individuals, we have been able to support programs that directly benefit students in Jaffrey and Rindge.
Inquiry Scholars
A unique collaboration between the Jaffrey-Rindge Cooperative School District and Franklin Pierce University, the Inquiry Scholars program gives students the opportunity to engage in hands-on, inquiry-based learning and research. This partnership connects JRCSD students with FPU students to learn the Inquiry Process: asking questions, forming a hypothesis, conducting research, evaluating the quality of sources, drawing conclusions, and identifying new questions to explore. The Inquiry Scholars program broadens students’ horizons and prepares them for college, careers, and active citizenship. This year, we have had X JRCSD students work with X FPU students. In the past, we have also offered small scholarships to high school students who have done exemplary work while participating in this program.
The Writing Nest
The Writing Nest is an after-school creative writing club at Rindge Memorial School (RMS) in collaboration with Franklin Pierce University (FPU) for fourth and fifth-grade students. College mentors help students write stories, which are then recorded as podcasts in the FPU Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications audio studio. The program fosters literacy, creativity, and community connection
Mini Grants for Local Teachers & Schools
JREF awards mini-grants to teachers, departments, schools, and special programs within the Jaffrey-Rindge Cooperative School District. These grants help educators bring innovative ideas to life—from classroom projects and new instructional materials to enrichment activities and school-wide initiatives that would not be possible through the regular budget. Examples of grants we have funded include: the after-school program Girls on the Run; a math competition program; vocational training in which students begin their electrician journeyman’s training; and travel support for a group of students to attend a state-level competition they had qualified for.
Teacher Appreciation
Each year, we co-host a teacher appreciation luncheon to recognize and celebrate the dedication of our educators and staff. This event is a small but meaningful way to thank those who work every day to support our students’ growth and success.
