Kleb Intermediate School Awarded $6,500 from KEF for ‘Music Mentoring’ Campus Grant

KLEIN, TEXAS – Kleb Intermediate School has been awarded a $6,500 Klein ISD Education Foundation (KEF) grant for their "Music Mentoring" program, designed to expand opportunities for students to build confidence, self-esteem, and musical skills through after-hours mentoring and leadership development.

In a celebratory surprise visit from the KEF Celebration Express, Kleb Intermediate School was recognized with the grant in front of Foundation directors, community members, and Superintendent Dr. Jenny McGown. The event brought excitement and recognition to the school as one of the recipients of this year's grants.

Led by grant writer Casey Benoit and sponsored by PBK, the "Music Mentoring" program incorporates guitar lessons into Kleb's existing after-hours mentoring initiative, thanks to a partnership with St. Timothy’s Church, which provided free lessons. Students meet in small groups twice weekly to develop their musical skills, emphasizing leadership roles, peer support, and motivation.

The program's primary goal is to help students build confidence and acquire new skills that will serve them in both academic pursuits and life beyond the classroom. While the program has succeeded, it is currently limited to students with guitars. This grant will provide funding for ten guitars and related equipment, allowing the program to expand and be available to all interested students.

By increasing access to the program, Kleb Intermediate hopes to continue fostering a supportive and empowering environment where students develop musical talents, leadership qualities, and a sense of community.

"The 'Music Mentoring' program is about more than just learning to play an instrument—it’s about building confidence, fostering leadership, and creating a sense of community for our students,” Foundation President Bill Lakin said. “Thanks to this generous grant, we can ensure that every student who wants to participate has the opportunity to discover their potential and grow through the power of music."

This fall, the KEF Celebration Express distributed grants totaling $61,357 to support various educational programs that enrich student learning. From interactive technology tools to writing conferences, this year’s recipients exemplify the power of creativity in education.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all our sponsors who make these initiatives possible and positively impact the educational journey of Klein ISD students.

The Klein ISD Education Foundation accepts grant applications biannually, supporting creative and impactful projects that drive student success.