Grantees

Meet our guiding stars.

Deep commitment. Big dreams. Incredible impact.

Every year, thanks to the generosity of our community, the San Juan Education Foundation helps make the dreams—both big and small—of San Juan Unified educators come true.

2025-2026 PROPEL Grant Program Impact

INVESTED IN CLASSROOMS

$179,089

GRANTS AWARDED

87

SCHOOLS SUPPORTED

38

STUDENTS SERVED

10,909

Congratulations to this school year’s class of PROPEL Grantees, remarkable leaders in innovation, inclusion, and impact.

Joel Lorenzo

Joel Lorenzo, $7,500

Carnegie MS

Igniting Lifelong Wellness: Integrating Heart Zones Technology into PE

This PROPEL Innovation Grant project introduces Heart Zones heart-rate monitors into the PE program using real-time, anonymous data to increase students’ time in moderate to vigorous physical activity. By focusing on personal effort rather than competition, the program supports inclusive participation, strengthens fitness literacy, and enhances attention, behavior, and academic readiness through movement.

More about Joel Lorenzo

Mark Cornfield on stage

Mark Cornfield, $26,000

Casa Roble HS

Light up the Stage

With support from a PROPEL Transformation Grant, Casa’s theatre program will upgrade its outdated lighting system—giving students hands-on experience with modern technology used in college and careers. The result: more engaging productions and new pathways for students interested in technical theatre.

More about Mark Cornfield

Yesmine Thompson, $20,000

Dyer-Kelly El

Safe and Inclusive Spaces with Technology and Seating Improvements

This PROPEL Transformation Grant award strengthens learning environments by upgrading technology and student seating in key instructional spaces—making them safer, more equitable, and more engaging. From enhanced performing arts instruction to improved access to digital tools for intervention and ELD students, this investment ensures every learner has the resources they need to succeed.

More about Yesmine Thompson

Nikolas Jones

Nikolas Jones, $20,000

Mira Loma HS

Mira Loma Blackbox Lighting Upgrade

This PROPEL Transformation Grant will modernize an outdated theatre lighting system and booth—creating a safer, more equitable, and academically rich performing-arts environment for students. With new digital lighting controls and LED fixtures, students will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment while bringing performances to life in powerful new ways.

More about Nikolas Jones

David Levis

David Levis, $7,500

San Juan HS

The Learning Grove: A Transformative Outdoor Educational Space

This PROPEL Innovation Grant project transforms the San Juan High’s outdoor library garden into The Learning Grove—a universally accessible, sustainable, outdoor learning space designed and built by students. Led by the school’s construction program, the project integrates multiple disciplines, empowering students to collaborate, apply real-world skills, and create a welcoming environment for individual study, small-group collaboration, and whole-class learning that will serve the campus for years to come.

More about David Levis

Angela Luna, $6,270

Thomas Edison Language Institute

Equal Auditory Access

This PROPEL Innovation Grant project improves learning conditions for multilingual and ELD students by reducing excessive classroom noise and improving acoustics. Through sound-absorbing materials and classroom dividers, students and teachers can better hear, focus, and engage—creating a safer, more inclusive environment that supports language development, academic achievement, and overall well-being.

More about Angela Luna

Wendy Esquivel, $14,190

Will Rogers MS

Media Studio Equity

Media students have been awarded a PROPEL Transformation Grant to strengthen their student-produced news broadcast—building school culture, promoting PBIS, and amplifying student voice. With professional-grade equipment, students are gaining real-world media experience and expanding access through multi-camera production and ASL interpretation.

More about Wendy Esquivel

Caroline Digman, $5,210

Albert Schweitzer El

Tools for Physical and Cognitive Skill Development for TK and K

PROPEL Transformation Grant funding will be used to purchase 15 tricycles, creating more inclusive, accessible, and joyful play for TK and Kindergarten students of all abilities. This investment helps ensure every child can belong, connect, and thrive—one ride at a time.

Vicky Velasco

Vicky Velasco, $1,700

Arcade MS

Solar Races

With solar car kits, students can build, test, and refine designs using the engineering design process, take their projects home to share with families, and connect renewable energy concepts to their lives—fostering curiosity, creativity, and a sense of themselves as future problem-solvers and innovators.

Mediha Shakir

Mediha Shakir, $1,500

Arcade MS

STEM Challenges for Real-World Sustainability Learning

STEM materials to engage students in hands-on learning—building, testing, and problem-solving—connecting science to real-world challenges like sustainability and energy, fostering curiosity, collaboration, and a sense of empowerment to make a positive impact on the future.

Sharan Kaur

Sharan Kaur, $1,500

Charles Peck El

Sparking Curiosity

STEM materials provide hands-on learning and support English learners and students on I.E.P.s in accessing complex scientific language and concepts. By exploring Earth’s crust changes, erosion, and natural disasters through sensory, interactive experiences, all students will develop curiosity, problem-solving skills, and see themselves as future innovators tackling real-world challenges.

Virginia Dorman

Virginia Dorman, $1,500

Dyer Kelly El

Exploring Alternative Energy

The Alternative Energy Class Pack will enhance our TWIG Science curriculum with safe, hands-on, and inclusive learning experiences. Through clear safety protocols, collaborative learning, and culturally responsive lessons that connect global energy practices, students will explore concepts like wind turbines, solar chargers, and fuel cells—deepening curiosity, engagement, and understanding of alternative energy.

Catherine Davis, $2,500

Greer El

Amplifying Student Voice with Book Creator

Greer Elementary’s diverse, multilingual students bring rich cultural and linguistic backgrounds to the classroom. This PROPEL Achievement grant will help them find and share their voices through Book Creator, an interactive program that lets students record, write, and publish their own digital books. With new class sets of headphones and microphones, students in grades 2–5 will be able to create and reflect in English and their home languages—developing fluency, creativity, and confidence as young authors while connecting their learning across all subjects.

Jacob Lacuesta

Jacob Lacuesta, $5,500

Katherine Johnson MS

Exploring Alternative Energy with Solar Cars

Students will explore alternative forms of energy through building and testing solar cars, reinforcing the “Harnessing Human Energy” unit and the Engineering Design Process, with a special field trip planned to extend their learning.

Benjamin Kane

Benjamin Kane, $1,500

Kingswood El

R.E.A.L.I.T.Y.: Real Experiences Altering Lives In Today’s Youth

The STEM Alternative Energy Kit aligns with Amplify’s first unit, “Harnessing Human Energy,” and engages students actively by having them solve engineering problems. While traditional activities like egg drops, bottle rockets, solar ovens, and chemical experiments provide hands-on learning, the unit’s current energy design project is mostly theoretical or computer-based; these kits will let students explore cutting-edge human energy innovations, build a strong framework for understanding energy, and inspire curiosity that carries into future units.

Mollie Zuehlke

Mollie Zuehlke, $1,500

Lichen El

Exploring Solar Energy

Solar Cell Classroom Kit for second graders to explore concepts about sustainability and natural resources.

Annalee Weight

Annalee Weight, $1,500

Mariposa Ave El

STEM for Upper Grades

Our first unit of the year, Earth’s Features and Processes, is perfectly complemented by the Build a Better World STEM kit, a hands-on project helping students connect scientific concepts to real-world issues. By exploring natural systems and human impacts, students gain a deeper understanding of the planet and are empowered to make informed decisions as responsible stewards of the Earth.

Chistopher Cimino

Christopher Cimino, $1,200

Mesa Verde HS

Emerging Energies STEM Kit

Too often, environmental science focuses on the negative aspects of humans on the environment. This kit provides fun and interesting activities that teach students about alternative energy sources, and with understanding comes empowerment. Students will gain knowledge about solving several real-world energy problems. Through this understanding, they will become empowered to mitigate energy problems affecting the planet.

San Juan Education Foundation

William Simpson, $1,980

San Juan HS

Class set of 3D Printers

This PROPEL Achievement Grant project brings a full set of 3D printers to the 9th grade science classroom, transforming how students explore physics and engineering. Through hands-on design and prototyping, students will create their own scientific models—deepening understanding, building creativity, and connecting learning to real-world challenges. Accessible, browser-based design tools ensure every student can participate. The new printers will support interdisciplinary projects and lay the groundwork for future STEM success, empowering students with design thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills that last a lifetime.

David Gantenbein, $2,500

Thomas Edison Language Institute

Classroom Hydroponics

This hands-on 3rd grade PROPEL Achievement Grant project introduces students to the scientific method by comparing hydroponic and aquaponic systems through growing lettuce in the classroom. Students observe, measure, and analyze data while exploring plant biology, nutrition, and environmental science. The project promotes inclusion by inviting students to share their own food and growing traditions, builds critical thinking skills, and inspires curiosity about sustainability. A durable new system will ensure this engaging unit continues for years—helping students cultivate knowledge, creativity, and environmental stewardship.

Photo of Coryn Hernandez

Coryn Hernandez, $1,000

Thomas Edison Language Institute

Enhancing Language Access with Interactive Display Technology

This Achievement Grant provides a portable touchscreen display to support engaging, interactive speech and language therapy sessions. The device allows students to directly interact with visual and multimodal materials, increasing accessibility, participation, and motivation while supporting a wide range of communication needs.

Kristin Salimi

Kristin Salimi, $480

Albert Schweitzer El

Educational games, art projects, and classroom supplies that make learning interactive and engaging for first graders. Through hands-on activities, students—especially English learners—will build deeper understanding in science and social studies while developing important organization and life skills.

April Lonero Headshot

April Lonero, $500

Albert Schweitzer El

Books, counseling games, and a mini shredder to support students’ social-emotional growth. Through stories and play, students learn coping and communication skills, practice emotional regulation, and build resilience to return to the classroom ready to learn.

Ashley Wilcox

Ashley Wilcox, $100

Albert Schweitzer El

Solar Bug Kits will foster curiosity, teamwork, and critical thinking, helping students explore how things work, imagine solutions to real-world problems, and begin considering future careers—instilling motivation, creativity, and a connection to the world around them.

Chrystania Brizzi

Chrystania Brizzi, $325

Barrett MS

Supporting arts-integrated history projects—such as murals, gallery walks, and oral histories—that help students explore the past through creative expression. These engaging, culturally responsive activities provide multiple ways for students to demonstrate learning while strengthening critical thinking, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.

Lindsey Seva

Lindsey Seva, $320

Carmichael El

Picture books to be used in all classrooms—including general education, SDC, and ASD settings—for weekly social-emotional learning lessons.

Lareina Holsopple Headshot

Lareina Holsopple, $490

Carmichael El

Engaging, game-based reading, spelling, and phonics activities aligned with the Science of Reading to support all K–5 students, including those who struggle with literacy. Through hands-on, differentiated learning, students build skills, confidence, and community—developing into strong, fluent readers ready to embrace future opportunities.

San Juan Education Foundation

April Nell, $495

Casa Roble HS

Expanding the school library’s collection with Ukrainian books to support biliteracy and ensure students see their home language and culture reflected and valued. By building a more inclusive collection, the project affirms belonging while providing critical support to the library during a year with limited funding.

Amanda Caviness

Amanda Caviness, $250

Charles Peck El

A wireless microphone to ensure students can clearly hear instruction during outdoor PE classes. Improved sound clarity will increase safety, reduce repeated directions, and ensure all students—especially English learners—can fully participate in active learning.

Elaine Paul

Elaine Paul, $500

Del Dayo El

Magnetic boards and tiles to support literacy instruction, allowing students to manipulate letters and word parts—organized by phonics patterns—to strengthen reading and spelling skills.

Julie Morey

Julie Morey, $350

Deterding El

Therapy putty, storage bins, SEL books, wellness posters, flexible activity space, kinetic sand and play therapy tools, healthy snacks, and group curriculum materials.

Kristen Culpepper

Kristen Culpepper, $482

Dyer Kelly El

Supporting a student-led initiative where fifth graders create “Buddy Bags” filled with books, games, and social-emotional learning activities for mentoring sessions with younger students. The project builds leadership, empathy, and connection while creating meaningful literacy and socioemotional learning experiences for students across grade levels.

Sarah Abercrombie

Sarah Abercrombie, $300

Dyer-Kelly El

Classroom materials that enrich learning and foster an environment responsive to student trauma.

Tina Tran Headshot

Tina Tran, $500

Dyer-Kelly El

Sensory tools, visual emotion charts, and mindfulness activities—to help students identify and manage their emotions. By fostering self-regulation, empathy, and inclusion, these resources will create supportive spaces where every student feels safe, focused, and ready to learn.

Barbara Walker

Barbara Walker, $500

Dyer-Kelly El

Diverse, high-quality resources—books, art supplies, math manipulatives and games, SEL tools and fidgets to support all learning styles.

Marcos Rosas

Marcos Rosas, $100

Dyer-Kelly El

Solar Bug Kits will help my students see how energy is transferred and teach that solar power is a clean, renewable resource shaping the future, which is especially meaningful for our students who are migrants from other countries.

Michael Zysk Headshot

Michael Zysk, $438

El Camino HS

The renovation of two large display cases to showcase student artwork in a prominent school hallway. Rotating exhibits of paintings, ceramics, and mixed media will celebrate every student’s creativity and voice—especially those of English learners and students with special needs—affirming that art is only complete when it’s shared and seen.

Meaghan Sheehan

Meaghan Sheehan, $460

El Camino HS

High-interest graphic novels to the school library, giving students more choices for independent reading. Graphic novels support visual and language development, making them especially valuable for English learners, students with learning differences, and reluctant readers—while sparking excitement and engagement with reading for all students.

Brittany Lane-Lopez

Brittany Lane-Lopez, $500

Grand Oaks El

Books that engage students reading at or above grade level, math manipulatives for hands-on, engaging lessons, and calming tools like posters, fidgets, and timers to support student well-being.

Michele Palermo

Michele Palermo, $500

Green Oaks El

Wobble chairs to help students regulate movement while staying engaged in learning. By allowing subtle, non-disruptive motion, the chairs improve focus, support attention, and promote an inclusive classroom environment where all students can thrive.

Jordan Souza headshot

Jordan Souza, $330

Greer El

Class-set of Bob—a timeless story that sparks imagination and wonder. This book helps students rediscover the magic of storytelling and fosters a lifelong love of reading in a world filled with digital distractions.

Megan Babcock headshot

Megan Babcock, $240

Greer El

Engaging phonics materials—complete with stories, songs, and visual posters—to make early literacy come alive. By connecting learning to music and rhyme, students build stronger phonics skills while having fun.

Jessica Bartholomew, $500

Greer El

Social Emotional Learning focused library books, calming corner materials (bean bag chair, posters, regulation tools), and essential classroom supplies to support student well-being and daily instruction.

Megan Brady Headshot

Megan Brady, $475

Greer El

Hands-on learning materials—including watercolor paints, letter stamps, alphabet magnets, and fine-motor tools—to create an engaging classroom environment where young students build letter recognition and motor skills through meaningful, play-based learning.

Nicole Martinez

Nicole Martinez, $500

Greer El

Manipulatives: magnetic tiles, counting tiles, interlocking disks, and wooden pattern pieces to make learning more joyful and age-appropriate while reinforcing key concepts.

Kailey Jacques

Kailey Jacques, $500

Greer El

Books, phonics resources, small-group instructional materials, and organizational tools to support effective learning.

Jordan Hernandez

Jordan Hernandez, $320

Greer El

Sensory tools and classroom resources that help students regulate emotions and engage with learning in ways that meet their individual needs. These supports create a more inclusive, differentiated classroom environment where every student can participate and succeed.

Edward Tracy

Edward Tracy, $500

Howe Avenue El

Brain-training activities to help students strengthen executive function skills such as focus, working memory, flexible thinking, and self-monitoring. By connecting neuroscience and education, these activities support resilience, independence, and stronger academic performance in the classroom.

Nicole Harshbarger

Nicole Harshbarger, $100

Kingswood El

The Solar Bug Kit will give students a memorable, hands-on experience where they can make observations, form hypotheses, and explore scientific concepts in an engaging, lasting way.

Kylie Frost

Kylie Frost, $500

Kingswood El

Diverse books, creative art projects, and hands-on math games and manipulatives to strengthen both student understanding and my instructional practices.

Tyler Pierce

Tyler Pierce, $470

Laurel Ruff Transition School

Structured games and group activities that help students practice communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Through inclusive, hands-on experiences, students build confidence, strengthen peer relationships, and develop social and life skills that support success in school and beyond.

Amy Rivas

Amy Rivas, $350

LeGette El

Math manipulatives and hands-on games—such as fraction strips, base ten blocks, and math bingo—to strengthen students’ understanding of counting, place value, fractions, and geometry. These tools support differentiated instruction in a multi-grade classroom, helping students build both conceptual understanding and procedural fluency through active, tactile learning.

Karen Davidson

Karen Davidson, $450

Louis Pasteur MS

Piano keyboards that allow students in music appreciation classes to experience the joy of creating and learning through music.

Rachel Dyer

Rachel Dyer, $475

Mariposa Ave El

Hands-on math and money materials that make learning tangible, engaging, and accessible for all students.

Owen Zielsdorf

Owen Zielsdorf, $500

Mariposa Ave El

Essential tools—including a classroom whiteboard, colored cones, and inflatable balls—to create a structured, safe, and inclusive learning environment. These resources support organization, accessibility, and joyful participation while ensuring all students have the equipment they need to engage fully in lessons.

Karen Jackson

Karen Jackson, $450

Mission Ave El

Engaging, age-appropriate books across a range of reading levels that reflect the identities, interests, and diversity of 8–10 year olds.

Kate Watson, $500

Oakview Community

Leveled books, flexible furniture, and hands-on learning tools to create an engaging, inclusive environment where students can grow with confidence and curiosity. The resources support differentiated instruction and academic achievement while providing critical support to a new teacher building a classroom from the ground up.

Brenda Kastl headshot

Brenda Kastl, $500

Sierra Oaks Tk-8

A durable outdoor picnic table to create a flexible learning space for small-group instruction, hands-on science experiments, and collaborative lessons. The weather-resistant table will support engagement, reduce stress, and provide a welcoming, accessible environment for students for years to come.

Judy Dronberger

Judy Dronberger, $500

Sierra Oaks Tk-8

Funding the creation of costumes and sets for a debut performance of a Bad Wolfe Press play. The production will provide students with a creative, immersive theater experience that encourages artistic expression and deeper engagement with literature.

Kate Elliott, $420

Starr King K-8

Additional UFLI Foundations materials so every student can actively engage in hands-on word building. With enough letter sets for whole-class learning, all students will have the tools they need to strengthen reading, writing, and language skills together.

Alix Bowen

Alix Bowen, $364

Thomas Edison Language Inst.

A complete set of Bjorem speech therapy cards to support students’ communication, academic, and social-emotional development. Featuring inclusive artwork and durable materials, the cards help students build speech and literacy skills while seeing themselves reflected in the learning tools they use.

Shannon Faltemier headshot

Shannon Faltermier, $491

Thomas Kelly El

A sensory table to support inclusive, hands-on learning for Transitional Kindergarten students. Through playful exploration, students build executive functioning, language, measurement, and motor skills while collaborating, predicting, sorting, and discovering together—laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

Rebecca Wall

Rebecca Wall, $495

Trajan El

Sensory tools and classroom resources—such as weighted vests, bean bags, fine motor toys, and literacy supports—to help build structure, routine, and engagement for all students. These materials create a functional classroom environment that supports learning and ensures continuity for future students and teachers.

Andrea Whalen, $480

Whitney Ave El

Building kits, robotics, circuits, and creative tools, creating a makerspace to invite students to design, experiment, and solve real-world problems. Through collaboration and exploration, students will build critical thinking and engineering skills in an inspiring, innovative environment.

 
 

These educators embody the dedication, creativity, and passion that define San Juan Unified’s extraordinary workforce. PROPEL Grants are more than financial support—they’re investments in student potential and a brighter future, while also enriching the lives of the educators who inspire and uplift our students every day.

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