Congratulations to our Grant Recipients!
REACH Foundation — Empowering PYLUSD Educators
Congratulations to the 2025–26 REACH Educator Grant Recipients. This year, the REACH Foundation received 40% more grant applications than in the previous cycle, reflecting the growing innovation and dedication of educators across PYLUSD.
27
Projects Funded
$23,700
Total Awarded
40%
More Applications This Cycle
The REACH Foundation is proud to support educational initiatives that respond to an evolving learning landscape and expand impactful opportunities for students. We value and recognize the work of all educators who cultivate safe learning environments and embody REACH's mission to engage, enrich, and inspire student growth.
Empowering Excellence
The REACH Annual Educator Grants
About the REACH Educator Grants Program
At the REACH Foundation, we believe our educators are the heart of student success—the visionaries who inspire curiosity, ignite passion, and unlock potential in every classroom across PYLUSD. That's why we're thrilled to announce the REACH Annual Educator Grant Program. This year, we're expanding our impact, providing $20,000 to teachers both through DonorsChoose ($10,000) and our direct grant application process ($10,000), ensuring more innovative ideas become reality.
$100–$500
Small Grants
Fund innovative classroom projects and educational experiences.
$1,000–$3,000
Large Grants
Support programs that inspire and engage students at scale.
Our Mission
"To enrich, inspire, and engage learners through educational experiences that matter."
The applications will be open again October 15, 2026. Please visit us again next year! We recommend Educators open a DonorsChoose account. As funds become available from our donor community, more grants may be fulfilled.
Thank you for all you do to support our students and community!
Academics
Develop critical thinking and academic achievement.
Arts
Spark creativity and artistic expression.
Athletics
Promote healthy lifestyles and physical well-being.
Empowering Educators to Inspire Learners
About the Grant Program
The mission of the REACH Foundation is to enrich, inspire, and engage learners through educational experiences in collaboration with the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) and our community partners. We believe that providing greater exposure to critical thinking through Academics, creativity through the Arts, and promoting healthy lifestyles through Athletics are vital to helping students reach their highest potential and achieve higher academic success.
The REACH Foundation Educator Grant Program is designed to support education projects, programs, equipment, or resource costs for classroom or district initiatives that may not be covered by local district or school budgets. We invite innovative, creative, and unique proposals that enrich or supplement teaching efforts and directly benefit PYLUSD students.
Eligibility
All educators within the PYLUSD are eligible to apply. This includes teachers, administrators, and support staff who are committed to enhancing student learning.
Funding Focus
Grants will be awarded for projects that align with the REACH Foundation's mission and focus on Academics, Arts, and Athletics.
Grant Amount
The REACH Foundation will award grants based on the scope and needs of the proposed projects. Specific funding limits will be outlined in the application.
Project Criteria
Applications should reflect clearly defined goals, innovative approaches, evidence of collaboration, and measurable outcomes to assess impact on student achievement.
Application Process
Online Submission
Grant applications will be accepted online from October 15th to November 30th each academic school year.
Documentation
Applicants must provide a detailed project description, budget, timeline, and any supporting materials necessary for consideration.
Review Process
All applications will be reviewed by the REACH Foundation Grant Committee. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by January after the submission deadline.
Reporting
Grant recipients will be required to submit a brief report at the end of the project detailing the outcomes and impact on student learning. Photos are welcomed!
Grant Cycle Opens Oct. 15 – Nov. 30th, 2026
Are you an educator with an innovative idea to spark engagement through hands-on activities? Join our community and help us create lasting change! The REACH Foundation Educator Grant will open in the fall.
For additional information and to access the application, please visit our website on October 15th. The application link will be posted on this site.
We encourage all educators to take this opportunity to bring your innovative ideas to life! Your creativity and dedication are essential in providing enriching experiences that inspire and engage our students. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
2025–26 Grant Recipients
Congratulations to our 2025-26 Educators!
The Foundation funded 27 exemplary proposals/projects, valued at $23,700 that demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence and advancing meaningful student learning.
Download Full Recipients PDFPrevious Recipients
Congratulations to our 2024 Educator Grant Recipients!
Sergio Narez
Valencia High School
Transilluminator for DNA Gel Electrophoresis
Acquire a transilluminator device that allows students to view DNA fragments after digesting recombinant DNA in a Gel Electrophoresis. The goal is to enable students to apply molecular biology at a level used in pharmaceuticals and become empowered to become future scientists ready to combat modern day disorders and diseases.
Carrie Pipkin
Wagner Elementary
LEGO Fractions for Grades 3–5
Using LEGO bricks to teach fractions, enhancing engagement and critical thinking for grades 3-5. This project aims to enhance fraction instruction by incorporating LEGO bricks as manipulatives, making abstract concepts tangible and engaging while fostering a deeper understanding of fractions.
Sunshine Cavalluzzi
El Dorado High School
Grade-Specific End-of-Year Experiences
Creating engaging, grade-specific end-of-year experiences for students in grades 10-12 enrolled in social science courses, including a stock market simulation (10th), a historical artifact lockbox challenge (11th), and an international trade simulation (12th).
Jason Parker
Valencia High School
Esports Program Expansion
Valencia High School's Esports program has rapidly grown, creating high demand for resources. This project seeks funding for consoles, games, and controllers to make Esports accessible to all students and enable Valencia to host school and district-wide tournaments fostering collaboration, communication, and planning skills.
Audra Ross
El Dorado High School
ArtWorks at the Nixon Library
Supporting the transformation of the PYLUSD ArtWorks show by relocating it to the Nixon Library, a professional venue that enhances the event's prestige. Funding will provide ceramic display cases, matte boards, bussing for elementary classes, and cover costs to expose an estimated 2,000 students and families to ArtWorks.
Dwight Osborne
Kraemer Middle School
Electronics Learning Kits for Computer Tech
Electronics learning kits for middle school Computer Tech classes to build skills in digital control and robotics prototyping. The goal is to introduce students to electronics and develop their knowledge on digital control, helping them develop a solid understanding that will allow them to be successful in robotics prototyping.
Tammy Williams
Lakeview Elementary
eSports Community Building Program
This eSport project promotes community building and student collaboration by fostering relationships and encouraging teamwork. It combines healthy competition with lessons on health and wellness, including balanced gaming habits and physical activity, with a long-term vision to expand to multiple schools for district-wide competitions.
Thank you to all educators who submitted their thoughtful and exceptional proposals. Thank you for the invaluable work you do every day to support our students. We are honored to partner with educators like you in creating brighter futures for all.
2023 Grant Recipients
Congrats to our 2023 Educator Grant Winners
Letitia Bernstein
Parkview
Computer Science & Programming Curriculum
The generous addition of curriculum with the help of the REACH Foundation Grant would increase student opportunities for hands-on computer science, engineering, and programming experiences including coding, Python, algorithms, data processing, and digital citizenship.
Shannon Vlastnik
Lakeview Elementary
Buddy Bench for Student Connection
A Buddy Bench provides a safe space for students who need a friend, leading another student to join them and initiate friendship. All students at Lakeview will have this bench available to ensure all students feel needed and nurtured.
Janelle Bedard
Morse Elementary
Video Production Class for Grades 4–6
Morse started a video production class introducing 4th-6th graders to the basics of video production. With Mac computers funded by REACH, students achieve goals including creative scriptwriting, camera operation, editing, audio skills, digital citizenship, and teamwork.
Stephanie Brock
Tuffree Middle School
Esports Program
Funding for an Esports program that provides students with a sports team-like atmosphere while exposing them to STEM fields, college and career readiness, Social Emotional Learning, and an opportunity for all. Every student at the school will have access to the Esports community.
Catherine Sain & Alison Sotomayor
Rio Vista Elementary
MARATHON KIDS Physical Activity Program
Funding for MARATHON KIDS will fight against obesity at Rio Vista by increasing physical activity among at-risk children and tackle long-standing historical inequities. The program is built on six evidence-based pillars for long-term healthy behavior adoption.
Julie Brencius
Kraemer Middle School
Bluetooth Headphones for Music Composition
Funds to pay for a class set of durable Bluetooth headphones for students to use while creating music in a new music composition class. The Bluetooth feature allows students to listen to each other's devices to share, critique, and collaborate in small groups.
Sherrie Olive
Valencia High School
3D Art Tools for Drawing & Painting Classes
An assortment of tools for 3-D projects, framing lessons, and building items for drawing and painting classes serving grades 9-12. Tools include hammers, screwdrivers, awls, saws, drills, sanders, pliers, wire cutters, and more.
Emily Taylor
Travis Ranch School
Reading is FUNdamental — 4th Grade Library
Providing students impacted by COVID with an engaging, updated library to develop a love for reading, a desire to read, and motivation to continue building reading fluency and comprehension for years to come.
Audra Ross
El Dorado High School
Matte Board for Student Photography
Matte board to matte student work for art contests and for students to share their printed work professionally with the community. Entering photo contests builds self-esteem and confidence and brings families together with businesses in the community.
2022 Grant Recipients
2022 Educator Grant Recipients
Mark Myer
Esperanza High School
Hamilton Broadway Guest Artist Residency
Grant funds brought in Guest Artist Ta-Tynisa Wilson, performing in the Broadway cast of HAMILTON and an American Idol Finalist. The week-long residency engaged EHS Theater students in workshops, a tech rehearsal, and an evening concert, with visits to feeder middle schools.
Kristine Cavallo
Tuffree Middle School
Archery Targets for 25-Year PE Program
Grant funds purchased 8 new shooting targets to keep the archery unit alive and introduce this highly skilled sport to all students at Tuffree Middle School. Success is defined by all students participating and passing the final assessment including stringing a bow and hitting a target with accuracy.
Loree Begin
Parkview Elementary
Strumming Through STEM — Autoharps
Grant funds for a new program 'Strumming through STEM' including 10 autoharps which spark student interest in math and science through music. The use of musical instruments in learning holds keys to unlocking mathematical and scientific concepts including fractions, ratios, and sound waves.
Diane Seitz
Wagner Elementary
Sewing Program for Artistic Expression
Grant funds used to teach students to sew using felt, needle, scissors, pins, and batting. Many students have never had the opportunity to express their artistic talents through sewing. Students who become proficient will open the program to others after school, gaining confidence in a leadership role.
Emily Taylor
Travis Ranch Elementary
Art Instruction Back in the Classroom
Grant funds used to incorporate art instruction back into the classroom. Art instruction is more important than ever as students coming out of the pandemic need an area where they can express themselves and feel successful. Students develop creative arts skills, explore a variety of mediums, and produce exceptional work.
Cari Briggs
Travis Ranch Middle School
Molecular Modeling Kits for Science
Hands-on molecular modeling kits reinforce learning to help students visualize how chemical reactions take place to break apart bonds and rearrange atoms. Students use several assessment pieces explaining chemical reactions and identifying unknown products based on atoms present.
Matthew Fang
Travis Ranch Middle School
CMEA Festival at Sonoma State University
Travis Ranch Middle School Orchestra and Esperanza High School performed for the California Music Educators Association Festival at Sonoma State University. This Educator Grant supported any student whose parents were unable to afford the parent contribution.
Amanda Peronto
Valadez Middle School Academy
Sound Board & Lights for Show Choir
Grant funds purchased a sound board and lights for VMSA productions. The sound board handles wireless microphones so students can be seen and heard on stage. The show choir sings beautifully and the equipment allows parents and audiences to hear their voices in large areas.
Ready to Apply for a Grant?
The REACH Foundation Educator Grant cycle opens October 15, 2026. Bring your innovative ideas to life and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the students you serve.