GLENDALE, Calif., June 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From STEM-based water rocket experiments to ASL learning programs and aerial drone workshops, California Credit Union Foundation is helping bring innovative classroom ideas to life through its Spring 2026 Teacher Grant program.
As part of its ongoing support for education, the Foundation awarded 18 grants to fund classroom projects in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Since launching the program in 2012, more than $235,000 has been given to support creative, hands-on learning initiatives led by local educators.
L/R: South Gate’s Willow Elementary School Principal Pedro Jimenez, Teacher Grant Recipient Maria Salazar, and Instructional Aide Adriana Carreno receive a California Credit Union Foundation Teacher Grant from California Credit Union VP School & Community Development Gloria Rogers. The grant will provide live caterpillar sets for TK–first grade classrooms, giving students a hands-on opportunity to observe the butterfly life cycle and release the butterflies into the school garden.
“What makes this program so meaningful is the creativity and intention behind each of these projects,” said California Credit Union Foundation President Marvel Ford. “From hands-on STEM experiences to programs that build connection and inclusion, these teachers are finding new ways to engage their students and bring learning to life. We’re proud to support their ideas and the lasting impact they have in the classroom.”
The Spring 2026 Teacher Grant recipients include educators from a wide range of schools and grade levels, each bringing a unique project to their classroom:
Grant Recipient
School
Project Name
City
Denise Anderson
Compton High School
Special Education Transition
Compton
Kelly Bergin
Broad Avenue Elementary School
Once Upon A Classroom Library
Wilmington
Veronica Bonilla
Coldwater Canyon Elementary School
Readers Today, Leaders Tomorrow
North Hollywood
Brenda Corona
Toluca Lake Elementary School
The Comfy Classroom Collective
North Hollywood
Marine Davtyan
Benjamin Franklin High School
Attendance Matters
Highland Park
Talia Dotson
Eastside High School
Regenerative Futures
Lancaster
Monika Duque
Rosewood STEM Magnet, Urban Planning & Urban Design
Home Connection Backpacks
Los Angeles
Brenda Enciso
Venice High School
From Classroom to Career: Building Real-World Skills for Students with Disabilities
Los Angeles
Juan Gomez
Marshall High School
Sports Medicine Gallery Walk
Los Angeles
Lourdes Jovel
San Jose Street Elementary School
Westward Expansion
Mission Hills
Jennifer King
Girls Academic Leadership Academy
Ancestry Watercolor
Los Angeles
Sonia Mohamad
Alta Loma Elementary & Spanish Dual Language Academy
Fleece Tie Blanket
Los Angeles
Naira Panasyan
Northridge Academy High School
History Museum Night
Northridge
Felix Quiñonez
Glenfeliz Boulevard Elementary School
Anxiety Reducing Program
Los Angeles
Maria Salazar
Willow Elementary School
Butterfly Life Cycle Projects
South Gate
Loren Scott
Mark Twain Middle School
Rock It with Rockets!
Los Angeles
Nicole Walker
Carlson Home Hospital School
ASL Learning Project
North Hollywood
Ricardo Williams
Arroyo Valley High School
Aerial Drone Workshop
San Bernardino
Through programs like the Teacher Grant initiative, California Credit Union Foundation continues to support educators and expand opportunities for students across the communities it serves.
About California Credit Union Foundation
California Credit Union Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that serves as the philanthropic arm of California Credit Union. California Credit Union is a federally chartered full-service credit union founded in 1933 with assets of nearly $5.4 billion, over 200,000 members and 25 retail branches. Named a Forbes Best-In-State Credit Union in 2024 & 2025, California Credit Union membership is available to community members and businesses nationwide. The Foundation works to strengthen the financial well-being of our communities by providing targeted resources to non-profit partners creating meaningful change across the credit union’s service areas. California Credit Union funds all administrative costs of the Foundation, enabling it to return 100% of donations back into community programs. California Federal Credit Union operates as California Credit Union. Please visit ccu.com/foundation to learn more or make a tax-deductible donation, or follow the Foundation on Instagram® @ccufoundation.
SOURCE California Credit Union
