Innovation in Action: Educator Innovation Grants at Work Across FCPS
- alexis10428
- 1 day ago
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When educators are given the resources to bring their ideas to life, students gain access to experiences that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and open doors to future opportunities.
Educator Innovation Grants, formerly known as Educate Fairfax Grants, make that possible. Each year, educators across Fairfax County Public Schools identify creative, meaningful ways to engage their students, but many of those ideas require funding beyond what schools and teachers can provide on their own.
Through these grants, innovative concepts become real-world learning experiences that reach thousands of students.
In its record-setting 2025–26 grant cycle, Educate Fairfax awarded 129 classroom and school-based grants totaling more than $210,000 across 117 schools, impacting nearly 47,000 students. To better understand that impact, we invited grant recipients to share their experiences in their own words.
Their stories highlight not only the creativity of FCPS educators, but also the powerful difference these grants make in classrooms every day.
Dogwood Elementary School
Dragon’s Den Robotics Club
In the words of Courtney White, assistant principal:
“Innovation in Action: Dogwood’s First Robotics Club.
The halls of Dogwood Elementary hummed with a new kind of energy this year, thanks to a generous grant that funded the purchase of LEGO Robotics kits. This investment paved the way for the school’s first Robotics Club, a milestone program designed to bridge the gap between play and complex engineering.
Under the leadership of Ms. Shanna Del Rosario, students in grades 4 through 6 were given the opportunity to transform plastic bricks into programmable machines. By providing these resources, the grant didn’t just buy kits.
It built a foundation for future scientists and engineers right in our classrooms.
The commitment from the students was inspiring. The club meets every Tuesday and Thursday.
This consistency allowed students to dive into the trial-and-error process of coding and mechanical design. As they progressed from basic builds to complex automated tasks, they learned persistence and teamwork.
We are incredibly proud of our inaugural robotics team and grateful to Ms. Del Rosario for guiding them through such a transformative year.”
John R. Lewis High School
Future Innovators: Amazon Skills Center Experience
In the words of Skyler Verloop, history and social studies teacher:
“The grant allowed me to take two groups of 25 students to the Amazon WorkSpace Skills Center on March 10 and 11. During the visit, students learned about careers in artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
They also completed a hands-on scavenger hunt that showed how AI and cloud technology are used in everyday life.
The visit concluded with lunch provided by Amazon and a panel titled “A Day in the Life,” where employees shared their career paths, education, and how they came to work at Amazon. Students learned about the future role of AI in various careers, as well as the hiring and interview process and how they can make themselves competitive candidates.
This was a great experience for our students, and it was made possible through the support of Educate Fairfax. I have applied to multiple Educate Fairfax grants, and this is the first one I have received.
Cloud networks and AI are emerging technologies, and it was important for students to hear from professionals actively working in the field.”
London Towne Elementary School
The Roar and Pour Café
In the words of Shirlene Banford, principal:
“When I saw the email from our superintendent about the opportunity to apply for an Educate Fairfax grant, I was inspired to bring a meaningful and engaging project to our school. My first thought was to create a staff coffee shop run and operated by our sixth graders.
I had seen a similar concept at another school and remembered how much both students and staff enjoyed the experience.
The application process was straightforward and seamless, allowing me to focus on developing a program with clear purpose and impact. My goal was to provide sixth graders with an authentic, hands-on experience that builds real-world skills.
Through this project, students learn how to apply for a job, develop job-specific skills, and strengthen their communication and interpersonal abilities.
Students arrive on time, complete assigned tasks, and engage with staff in a professional and friendly manner. They practice greeting others, making eye contact, and contributing to a positive customer service environment.
Each week, one group takes drink orders, and another prepares and delivers them. The café offers coffee, tea, and hot chocolate to staff members.
Mrs. Kakar and Ms. Piña support and guide students as they bring a little extra joy to their school community each week.”
Mount Vernon High School
Culinary Arts Catering Services
In the words of Ibrahim Nabil, hospitality and culinary arts instructor:
“I applied for the Educate Fairfax Grant to expand the Culinary Arts Catering Project at Mount Vernon High School. Our program focuses on giving students authentic, real-world learning experiences that prepare them for careers in hospitality and food service.
Through this grant, we were able to purchase professional catering equipment, including electric chafing dishes and hot holding units. This allows students to safely prepare, transport, and serve food during school and community events.
The application process was smooth and well organized. This grant will benefit many students by strengthening hands-on learning opportunities and helping them build confidence, leadership skills, and industry-ready experience.
Our goal is to create more opportunities for students to engage in authentic service experiences that connect classroom learning with real hospitality operations.
Thank you for investing in our students and schools.”
Cameron Elementary School
BRAINball™
In the words of Meghan Gallagher, P.E. teacher:
“As a first-year PE teacher and former special education educator, I’ve always looked for ways to combine movement and learning. This past summer, thanks to FCPS funding, I attended the Health & Physical Activity Institute (HPAI) at JMU, and I found exactly what I was looking for.
During a session on BRAINball™, I saw how a research-based program could foster whole-child development by integrating math and literacy directly into physical play. I participated in the session with the equipment, and I was hooked! However, after learning the system cost $820, I realized I’d need a miracle to bring it to my students.
That miracle arrived in September through Educate Fairfax. The grant application process was seamless, and with help from their team, my project, Learning in Motion with BRAINball™, was selected for funding!
By combining movement with academics, this project aims to:
Boost Foundational Skills: Strengthen math and literacy through active play.
Increase Engagement: Motivate students with a unique, hands-on curriculum.
Promote Equity: Support diverse learners with a multi-sensory approach.
Foster Life Skills: Develop critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.
I am incredibly grateful to Educate Fairfax for this opportunity. I cannot wait to see the fun and learning in the gym at Cameron Elementary!”
Holmes Middle School
Petals with Purpose
Supporting 30 students in grades 6 through 8, Petals with Purpose gives students the opportunity to connect with their community while building stewardship and entrepreneurial skills.
In the words of Serena Giron, principal:
“From my perspective, I see Petals with Purpose as a meaningful way for students to engage in hands-on learning that builds responsibility and collaboration. Through gardening, entrepreneurship and partnerships, students are developing real-world skills while strengthening their connection to Holmes and the broader community.
This opportunity would not have been possible without the generous support from Educate Fairfax, and we are grateful for their partnership in bringing this experience to our students.”
Turning Educator Innovation Into Student Opportunity—With Your Help to Fund What’s Next
From robotics clubs and STEAM labs to student-run businesses and career-focused programs, Education Innovation Grants are transforming classrooms across Fairfax County. They empower educators to bring innovative ideas to life without having to personally fund materials and experiences, ensuring students have access to meaningful, real-world learning.
But the need continues to grow. This year, Educate Fairfax received a record 258 applications, and while 129 grants were awarded, an equal number of strong, deserving proposals went unfunded.
Behind each of those applications is a teacher ready to create something impactful and a group of students who stand to benefit.
“Our educators elevated some of the most thoughtful, innovative ideas we’ve ever seen. We are honored to fund 129 applications, but we also had to turn away 129 equally worthy projects,” said Dr. Lynette Henry, executive director of Educate Fairfax. “That reality fuels our commitment to grow this program so every student, in every school, has access to the opportunities they deserve.”
Educate Fairfax’s goal for next year is clear: fund every eligible application.
“When educators’ ideas and needs go without funding, they often personally fund these, or students simply go without,” said Board Chair Katie Knight. “With strong community support, we can ensure every qualified future applicant receives a ‘yes.’”
With continued community investment, even more students can experience the kind of hands-on, innovative learning highlighted here.
To support next year’s Educate Fairfax Grants, please donate below.
