The Bonita Bay Group and administrators from nine area schools celebrated the 13th year of the company's school grant program with the awarding of $22,500 in project grants.

The nine recipients were: Alva Elementary, Bonita Springs Elementary, Bonita Springs Charter School, Pinewoods Elementary, Spring Creek Elementary, Alva Middle, Bonita Springs Middle, and Estero and Riverdale High Schools.

In addition to the grants, which help schools provide programs not funded by school budgets, the company also awarded an additional $27,222 to be distributed among the nine schools on a $3 per student basis. The money reimburses teachers for supplies and materials they purchase for students. The contributions bring the total amount given to the schools through the program to $242,178.

"Each year, we ask the principals of public schools near our communities to submit grant requests for special projects that directly affect student learning," said David Lucas, chairman of The Bonita Bay Group.

The grants will provide a variety of uses, including nonfiction reading materials, an outdoor interactive science learning center, microscopes, television monitors and computer supplies.