AUSTIN, Texas – The A+ Education Foundation, a philanthropic arm of A+ Federal Credit Union (A+FCU), awarded more than $85,000 in grants to 92 Central Texas educators.
Started in 2005, the A+ Education Foundation has awarded 822 educators with over $757,000 in grants to fund innovative, inspiring, and engaging programs in their schools.
"Since its inception, the A+ Education Foundation has provided grants to educators for programs that enhance their teaching and the students' learning experiences," said Kerry A.S. Parker, A+ Education Foundation President. "We continue to be impressed by the submissions and are honored to support educators who encourage student learning with hands-on, interactive programs."
This year’s winning submissions include:
- Creating an innovation lab with robotics, technology, programming, and engineering for elementary school students
- Developing a Makerspace – a collaborative space for students to enrich learning with tools and equipment for school projects
- Implementing a coding program for first graders
- Building green spaces throughout the school to help students improve attention and working memory
- Providing 3-D Virtual Reality Devices for students to take virtual field trips
- Installing a Little Free Library on campus for students and community members to use
- Providing parent coaching to parents of children with autism
- Students refurbishing retired/donated computers to give to students who do not have access to computer at home
The 2017 recipient of the Kate Loftis Memorial Education Grant, awarded on behalf of Dennis and Cindy Loftis, was Lisa Wenske from Clayton Elementary School in Austin Independent School District (AISD) for her program titled Supporting First Grade Readers and Technology Users.