The Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation (LPEF) celebrated Giving Tuesday by awarding more than $30,000 in grants to Lynwood Unified teachers, counselors and principals during its annual reception on Tuesday, December 3, supporting efforts to enhance students' educational experiences.
Grant recipients received certificates and checks ranging from $370 to $3,500 to support innovative projects and classroom initiatives that improve learning environments, inspire academic success, and ensure continued social-emotional health and wellness.
"These grants represent our dedication to empowering educators and enhancing the educational journeys of every student in Lynwood Unified," LPEF Executive Director Elsa Chagolla said. "We are proud to enable projects that inspire creativity and innovation across our schools as we unite in our mission to Unlock Brilliance in every Lynwood scholar.”
This year, LPEF awarded 39 Teacher Mini-Grants to Lynwood Unified educators. Highlights include:
- Roosevelt Elementary School’s Animal Life Cycle Project: Students learn about the animal life cycle by nurturing caterpillars through hands-on activities.
- Firebaugh High School’s Senior Incentive Program: A project encouraging A-G eligible seniors to complete college applications and financial aid forms through weekly raffles and culminating in a Decision Day event.
- Cesar Chavez Middle School's Zen Zone: A classroom Zen Zone to support students with disabilities by providing a calming space for emotional regulation, focus and improved learning outcomes.
In addition to the Mini-Grants, LPEF awarded three School Grants to support schoolwide initiatives that enrich learning environments for students and staff. They include:
- Helen Keller Elementary’s Hawk's Nest Game Room: A space designed to foster empathy, emotional regulation and language skills through structured play-based activities.
- Vista High School’s Horticultural Garden: A project for special needs students ages 18-22 that promotes vocational skills, teamwork and environmental awareness through horticultural therapy.
- Rosa Parks Elementary’s Reading for All Literacy Program: An initiative enhancing literacy resources, supporting teacher training, and engaging families through inclusive reading activities and events.
Founded in 2015 by the Lynwood Unified Board of Education, LPEF brings together business leaders, donors, alumni and educators to invest in Lynwood’s public schools. Lynwood Unified extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the donors who make these programs possible and congratulates this year’s grant recipients for their dedication to cultivating excellence at Lynwood. To learn more, visit www.lynwoodedfoundation.org.