November 2025 Grant Recipients

We are seeking to provide our students with microscopes for the study of biology, including plant cells, animal cells, and other specimens. Having microscopes in our classrooms will move learning beyond simple observation and into interactive, tactile exploration. Because this is a recurring component of our curriculum, each future class will also benefit from engaging, hands-on experiences that bring biology to life.

Learning outcomes for our biology program include developing observation skills, practicing scientific inquiry, understanding basic cell structure, engaging in hands-on experimentation, strengthening critical thinking, building a foundation for future scientific learning, and fostering curiosity about the unseen world.

The goal of this grant is to promote inclusivity in the classroom. These books will help students build literacy, confidence, and a sense of belonging through storytelling. Each book shares a true story of a teenager's journey to the United States from a different country. Many stories reflect the experiences of our own students from Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Ukraine, Russia, Venezuela, and Mexico, while others highlight perspectives from countries we don't yet have represented, such as Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Micronesia.

Through reading and discussing these stories, students will connect with the similarities and differences in each experience. The collection also includes advice from Newcomers about how to adjust and succeed in the United States, along with accessible information about each country written at a level English learners can understand.