By New Life Academy
New Life’s 2025 Annual Fund giving has made it possible to complete several key projects. The Annual Fund is a community-wide effort that provides support beyond tuition, helping enhance programs and enrich every student’s experience at NLA. From athletics to drama, choir, band, and enriching clubs like Model UN and Robotics, these experiences are all made possible by donor support.
Because of the support of our New Life community, the 2025 Annual Fund is already making an impact. This past fall, over 142 families came together to contribute more than $265,000, surpassing our $250,000 goal. All these gifts are investments in our students, our community, and the amazing experiences that make NLA a place where everyone can thrive. Here’s a look at how those gifts have made a difference.
Travel Together: Student Activities Bus
As student participation in athletics, clubs, and activities continues to grow, transportation plays a key role in fostering community and teamwork. Thanks to the generosity of Annual Fund donors, the addition of a student activities bus helps ease transportation strain during busy sports seasons by providing a safe, reliable way to transport multiple teams to their games. With seating for up to 54 students, it turns necessary travel into opportunities for team bonding and creating lasting memories.
Beyond the logistics, bus rides are where so many of our athletes’ best memories are made. Year after year, athletes talk about the laughter, conversations, and connections that happen on the bus rides before and after games. For example, NLA baseball is known for playing the card game Mafia after every road win—something that has become a special tradition for their team.
Dan DeWitt, Athletics Director
A Warm Welcome: Coffee Shop Refresh
The New Life coffee shop, Common Grounds, has always been the central gathering place for our school, bringing together students, staff, families, and visitors. This year, with support from Annual Fund donations, Common Grounds received a modern refresh that transformed the space. New light fixtures brighten the area while a sleek wood-slat overlay replaces the tile on the outside of the service counter. A gallery wall showcases framed student artwork, and a large digital screen now clearly displays the menu, making it easy to see what’s available.
The coffee shop refresh breathes fresh energy into a space our community already knows and loves. I’m excited to see it become an even more meaningful place for people to connect, serve, and spend time together.
Michelle Jacobson, Marketing & Communications Manager
Safety First: Security Enhancements
Ensuring a safe learning environment is always a top priority. With additional cameras already installed and new security doors to be installed soon, the Annual Fund has strengthened campus security, providing peace of mind for students, staff, and families alike.
We continue to place a high priority on safety and security. We are installing hallway security doors to lock classroom areas off as needed. With the generous donations, we were able to install 12 more cameras, bringing the total to 30 cameras, both inside and outside of the facility.
Craig Nordgren, Director of Operations
Innovation in Action: Science & Technology Upgrades
Thanks to Annual Fund support, New Life Academy students now have access to a science simulator, improved lab tables, a laser engraver, and new 3D printers, opening exciting opportunities for hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and design. By integrating technology into everyday learning, students are developing critical problem-solving skills, creativity, and real-world technical experience that is preparing them for future success in a rapidly evolving world. In particular, the new 3-D printers allow students to bring their ideas to life, from creating prototypes in robotics projects to exploring engineering concepts in the classroom.
Our students in 3D Modeling and Engineering are more inspired and engaged in learning than ever before. The new Bambu Lab 3D printers enable them to transform their designs into physical objects quickly and effectively while developing critical problem-solving skills.
Shay Motalebi, Upper School Science & Engineering Teacher
Thoughtful Spaces: Bathroom Updates
Attention to detail makes a big difference in daily life. Because of our community’s continued generosity, several bathrooms across campus now feature modern fixtures, fresh paint, new tiling, improved lighting, and updated flooring. The ongoing process to improve all campus bathroom facilities makes a meaningful impact on every student and visitor’s experience here at NLA.
One set of bathrooms still had original fixtures from 1977. Updating bathrooms is a simple way to enhance the look and feel of the facility, making it more welcoming.
Craig Nordgren, Director of Operations
Every gift to the Annual Fund directly shapes daily life at NLA. From updated spaces to expanded opportunities, your generosity ensures our students continue to explore and grow in a Christ-centered community. Thank you for making it all possible!
