SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwired - Dec 8, 2015) - Students and educators at King-Chavez Preparatory Academy in San Diego's Logan Heights neighborhood received a $5,000 education grant today from the Barona Band of Mission Indians. The academy will use the grant money to purchase 12 LG Chromebooks to assist in updating one of the two technology labs.

California State Senator Ben Hueso from the 40^th District sponsored the grant for King-Chavez Prep, which teaches students from sixth to eighth grade to not only be academic achievers but also socially conscious and caring individuals.

"It is an honor to present this education grant to the staff and students at King-Chavez Prep, a charter school that works hard each and every day to close the achievement gap for inner city students," said Clifford LaChappa, Chairman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. "With this grant, they'll be able to purchase the technology they need to ensure their students are on track for success."

Since 2006, the Barona Band of Mission Indians has awarded over $2.5 million to 494 schools statewide to help bridge school budget gaps and share resources through its Barona Education Grant Program.

The program is the first of its kind in California created and administered by a Tribal Government. The goal of the program is to create strong educational opportunities for the children of California building upon the success of the Barona Indian Charter School, which operates under a continuous improvement model. Schools throughout California can apply for educational grants from Barona to purchase much needed supplies and materials that promote academic improvement. Each grant awarded by the Barona Education Grant Program is $5,000. Applications can be downloaded at http://barona-nsn.gov/education.

About the Barona Band of Mission Indians
The Barona Band of Mission Indians, recognized by the United States government as a sovereign nation, has lived on the Barona Indian Reservation in rural eastern San Diego County since 1932. Prior to that, the Tribe lived on the Capitan Grande Reservation which was established by the federal government in 1875. Long before living on a reservation, the Tribe traveled across Southern California in tune with the seasons and what nature provided. Today, the sovereign nation, governed by an elected Tribal Council, is serving its Tribal members, their families, and sharing with the San Diego region. One of the most successful gaming Tribes in the country, Barona also owns and operates the Barona Resort & Casino, San Diego's leading gaming resort, casino and golf course. For more information, visit www.barona-nsn.gov.

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