California Credit Union Foundation Supports Innovative Classroom Projects

Students explore innovative projects through teacher grants.

News Summary

The California Credit Union Foundation has awarded 10 grants to innovative projects in Southern California schools, enhancing student learning through creativity. These grants fund diverse initiatives like forensic science experiments and entrepreneurship programs, benefiting local educators and their students. Since its inception, the Teacher Grant program has allocated $215,000 to support educational innovation, emphasizing the importance of teacher-led initiatives for improving student outcomes.

Los Angeles – The California Credit Union Foundation has awarded 10 grants to innovative classroom projects across Southern California as part of its Spring 2025 Teacher Grant program. These grants aim to enhance student learning outcomes through creativity and hands-on learning experiences, benefiting schools in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, and Ventura counties.

The total funding amount awarded in Spring 2025 reflects the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to supporting educators. Projects funded this cycle include forensic science experiments, student entrepreneurship programs, and the expansion of horticulture clubs focusing on California native plants. Each project is designed to engage students and improve their educational experiences.

Foundation President Marvel Ford highlighted the essential role teachers play in student success, noting that innovative projects provide valuable opportunities for students to explore real-world applications of their studies. The Teacher Grant program, which started in 2012, has awarded a total of $215,000 to support educational initiatives, underscoring the Foundation’s mission to contribute positively to local communities.

The grants are awarded bi-annually, with up to 20 grants available during each cycle. Eligible applicants must be full-time classroom teachers working in designated counties, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and others. This initiative continues to empower teachers by providing funding for projects that they believe will make a significant impact in their classrooms.

The recipients of the Spring 2025 grants include:

Michael Connors, William Howard Taft Charter High School, Woodland Hills
Doelyn Estrella, Arleta High School, Arleta
Tia Ignoffo, Trabuco Hills High School, Mission Viejo
Patricia Jolliff, Richardson PREP HI Middle School, San Bernardino
Brian McLaughlin, Conejo Academy, Thousand Oaks
Tam Nguyen, Los Padrinos Academy, Downey
Kamalinphol Punpanichgul, La Mesa Junior High School, Santa Clarita
Edna Rodgers, Azusa High School, Azusa
Mandana Saidi, Mission Continuation High School, San Fernando
Lourdes Valle, Sunland Elementary School, Sunland

The California Credit Union Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission of enhancing the financial well-being of communities through educational resources and partnerships. The foundation’s parent organization, California Credit Union, manages nearly $5 billion in assets and serves around 200,000 members across 25 branches statewide.

These grants illustrate the impact of community support for education, fostering innovation in classrooms and providing enriching experiences for students. With the continuation of the Teacher Grant program, the California Credit Union Foundation is dedicated to helping educators realize their visions for engaging projects that enhance learning in the classroom.