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We exist to provide equitable educational opportunities and increase classroom innovation for Chesterfield County Public Schools' students. Learn more.

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Our Impact This Year

  • Students Served in Our County

    64,000+

  • Percentage of CCPS Schools Accredited by VDoE

    100%

  • National Blue Ribbon Schools

    7

  • National ESEA Distinguished Schools

    8

  • Languages Spoken by Students

    15+

NEWS from CEF

2025-2026 Innovation Grants!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
9/09/2025 

Chesterfield Education Foundation Announces 2025-2026 Innovation Grant Winners 

Chesterfield, VA — The Chesterfield Education Foundation (CEF) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025-2026 Innovation Grants, which provide funding for creative projects that enhance learning and support student success in Chesterfield County Public Schools. 

"The Chesterfield Education Foundation continually proves its commitment to supporting our talented teachers, students and schools," said Dr. John Murray, superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools. "Each year, the innovation grants demonstrate investment in creative instruction and in the future of our young people. The foundation is one of our strongest partners, and I am beyond grateful for its generosity." 

This year, CEF awarded 18 grants totaling $75,294 to educators across Chesterfield. The selected projects showcase innovative approaches to teaching that inspire students, foster collaboration, and strengthen connections between classrooms and the community. CEF additionally awarded 3 MCD2 grants totaling $7,500. These additional grants provide funds to replicate the successful projects that their peers have launched at other schools. 

“Each year, our Innovation Grants highlight the extraordinary creativity and dedication of Chesterfield educators,” said Laura Hite, Executive Director of the Chesterfield Education Foundation. “These projects bring fresh ideas to life, helping students engage in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences and providing tangible support for our school leaders.” 

Innovation Grant projects funded this year include: 

  • Brittney Boone: Accessible Playgrounds; Jacobs Road Elementary School 
  • Paige Conti & Heather Russell: Innovative Spaces: Merging Room Transformations with Technology Engagement; Bettie Weaver Elementary School 
  • Tyler Faria: Learning in 3D; Greenfield Elementary School 
  • Abbey Gates: Social-Emotional Learning through Robotics; Clover Hill Elementary School 
  • Hang Hoang: Enhancing Japanese Language Learning through AI Integration; Meadowbrook High School 
  • Christine Hunsberger-Falconio: Weather-Data & Analysis; Hening Elementary School 
  • Joey Joback: SMART Futures: Interactive Learning in Marketing and Finance; James River High School 
  • Nicole Kiser: Integrated Flexible Learning and Interactive Language Environment; Matoaca High School 
  • Tynekia Lancaster: Ecoff Student Ambassador Program; Ecoff Elementary School 
  • Jacquelyn Meade: Learning Through Movement-A Kinesthetic Classroom for Special Education; Spring Run Elementary School 
  • Hannah McDevitt: Open Hearts & Open Arms-Intergenerational Learning; Ecoff Elementary School 
  • James Myers: Carbon Fiber Composites with Fused Deposition Additive (FDM); CTC Hull 
  • Sarah Petty: Printing Possibilities-Empowering Creativity, Leadership & Deeper Learning with 3D Printing; Clover Hill Elementary School 
  • Laura Powell Kiser: Creativity in the Classroom and Beyond; Carver Middle School 
  • Danielle Rioux: Performance Space and Sound Improvement; Reams Road Elementary School 
  • Brian Sheetz: CCPS “Fields of Art”; Thomas Dale High School 
  • Meggin Wade: DCMS Cafe; Deep Creek Middle School 
  • Amanda Waters: Matoaca Makes; Matoaca High School  

 

MCD2 (Replication grants) funded this year: 

  • Christina Lorenz: Clover Hill House Launch; Clover Hill Elementary School 
  • Toni Kilpatrick: STEAM Makerspace; Manchester Middle School 
  • Jo Evangelista: Carver Reading Den; Carver College & Career Academy 

Also known as the MCD Awards in honor of the anonymous donor who originally established the program, the Innovation Grants have been awarded to more than 100 educators and schools since its inception in 1997. These projects range from STEM initiatives and literacy programs to arts enrichment, inclusive physical environments, and investments in social-emotional learning. Innovation Grants are made possible through the generosity of CEF donors, who believe in empowering educators to imagine and implement new possibilities for their students. 

“We are excited to see the impact these projects will have in classrooms this year and beyond,” added Gina Bedford, Development Manager. “By investing in innovative ideas within our schools, we’re investing in the future of every student in Chesterfield County.” 

About the Chesterfield Education Foundation 

The Chesterfield Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Chesterfield County Public Schools by funding innovative programs, teacher enrichment, student scholarships, and alumni recognition. Through community partnerships and donor support, CEF helps advance the district’s mission of Imagining (Beyond) Tomorrow. 

For more information about the Innovation Grant program or to learn how you can support future initiatives, visit Innovation Grants. 

 

 

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