MUSKOGEE, Okla. — Hilldale Public Schools announced that they will be receiving $793,870 in new grants awarded from the William Barry Love Foundation.
Hilldale says the grants support initiatives that strengthen classroom instruction, provide free meals for students, expand summer learning programs, increase access for high school students to earn college credits, and improve technology in the classroom.
Since the first grants awarded in 2024, this brings the Foundation’s total giving to Hilldale to $943,870.
“When we invest in our students, we invest in the future of Muskogee,” said James Gulley, President of the William Barry Love Foundation, and President & CEO of Love Bottling Company. “Our community’s success depends on giving local youth every chance to succeed, and that’s why we are proud to support Hilldale with funding that meets real needs and creates lasting opportunities.”
Hilldale broke down how the money from the new grant will be spent:
Building Strong Educators ($150,000): To hiring of master teachers to serve as instructional coaches at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Hornet Feeding Program ($200,000): To provide free meals to students by covering cost no reimbursed through federal programs. Grant offsets about 40% of district’s total food services expenses.
Hilldale Summer Learning Academy ($264,620): Supported a full-day summer program in June 2025 for elementary students.
Concurrent Enrollment with Connors State College ($56,250): Expands opportunities for Hilldale students to earn college credit will in high school. Covers tuition and fees.
Teacher Computer Support for Learning ($123,000): Supplies 175 laptops with docking stations to upgrade teacher technology across the district.
“This investment is a powerful statement about the value of our students,” said Eric Puckett, Superintendent of Hilldale Public Schools. “It affirms that their education matters, their potential matters, and their future matters. The support of the William Barry Love Foundation strengthens Hilldale today and sets our students on a path to success that will benefit this community for generations to come.”