Irvine teachers awarded $140,000 in grants for projects

The Irvine Public Schools Foundation awarded a total of $140,000 in grants to 35 teachers at 19 schools in the Irvine Unified School District.

A ceremony to honor the recipients was held March 26 at Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine. The schools foundation granted the funds in three categories: the Innovative Teaching Award Program for creative or technology-related projects, the Innovative Counseling Award Program for mentoring or counseling programs and Mega Grants for large-scale projects.

Teachers at 33 of Irvine Unified’s 36 elementary, middle and high schools applied for grants this year, the foundation said.

Projects to be funded include animation technology, 3D printing, engineering courses, peer mentoring, a school garden and programs that aim to increase health and productivity for people with disabilities.

“It’s amazing to give teachers the ability to get creative and think outside the box,” said Neda Eaton, foundation president and chief executive. “Now we can go beyond the basic curriculum and implement what these teachers have been dreaming of.”