We are proud to support the faculty and staff of CCPS through the Innovation Grant Awards! Through our MCD Endowment Fund and generous grants from Dupont Spruance, the Hunter Foundation, and Carmax, CEF provides up to $100,000 for teachers to pilot creative, innovative, and replicable programs.
If you are a CCPS faculty or staff member and have an idea that goes beyond traditional methods, let CEF provide you with additional resources that will Fuel Minds Through Opportunity!
2026-2027 Innovation Grant Recipients
Bethany Atkins, Salem Church Elementary School – Dream Catchers: Write. Shine. Achieve, an after-school literacy enrichment program that helps multilingual learners become confident writers, published authors, and presenters.
Hayat Adawi, Matoaca High School – A project that transforms mathematics instruction through collaborative learning and writable desk surfaces that encourage problem-solving, discussion, and student engagement.
Pam Sloan, Manchester High School – The Lancer Culinary Café, a student-run café that provides authentic culinary and business management experiences while developing workplace readiness skills.
Melanie O'Dell, J.B. Watkins Elementary School – First Grade Math Lab, a shared mathematics innovation hub that provides hands-on, differentiated learning experiences aligned with Virginia Mathematics Standards.
Lauren Watts, Swift Creek Elementary School – SNAP to Success, a student-led school store that promotes positive behavior while teaching budgeting, saving, and other real-world economic concepts.
Erin Moon, Salem Church Middle School – Pages Over Pixels, an initiative that strengthens literacy engagement through shared reading experiences using print texts and collaborative discussion.
Jennifer Ward, W.W. Gordon Elementary School – The Hub, a transformed learning space that supports literacy, mathematics, enrichment activities, student leadership, and schoolwide collaboration.
MCD2 Replication Grant Recipients
The MCD2 Replication Grants support the expansion of proven educational practices to benefit additional students and schools.
Jacob Stech, Hopkins Road Elementary School – Sound System: Enhances school-wide communication and engagement through the installation of an improved sound system that supports performances, assemblies, and daily announcements.
Nicole Smith, Evergreen Elementary School – Adaptive Inclusive Playground, creates a more inclusive play environment through the addition of adaptive playground features that support students of all abilities.
Jacqueline Ferguson, Amy Estes, and Susan Shepherd, Chesterfield Virtual School-The VIPER Den Initiative: Belonging, Leadership, and Positive Behavior: Implements a House System that strengthens school culture, promotes positive behavior, and builds meaningful connections among students and staff through collaborative experiences and shared leadership opportunities.
Outdoor Garden Grant Recipients
Outdoor Garden Grants support experiential learning through outdoor spaces that connect students to environmental stewardship, agriculture, and hands-on education while beautifying their school.
Carol Matthews and Bryan Britton, Carver College & Career Academy – Outdoor Classroom Initiative: Creating a Multi-Use Learning Space: Creating an outdoor learning garden that provides students with hands-on opportunities to explore science and environmental stewardship. The garden will be designed and built by carpentry students.
Jessica Felice, Bellwood Elementary School – School Garden to Community Fridge: Cultivates a student-led garden that teaches sustainable growing practices and provides fresh produce to a local community fridge, helping address food access needs within the school community.
