Real Impact
Real Impact. Real Students.
Real Change.
Every year, Kent Schools Foundation helps turn educators' ideas into action and students' dreams into reality — across every school in our district.
Behind every grant is a teacher who dared to dream bigger. Behind every dollar donated is a student who discovered a new passion, built something with their hands, or took the stage for the first time. These are their stories — and there are thousands more to tell.
Voices of Innovation
Learning About Women and BIPOC in STEM
Voices of Innovation: Learning About Women and BIPOC in STEM; A STEM Voices Showcase
“On behalf of Marcella Hunter, myself, and the students of Meridian Elementary we want to say thank you for your donation to fund our project. With your funding we were able to purchase over 40 biographies specifically featuring the stories of women in STEM. The stories of women who shaped science as we know it today are historically under recognized. With your help and support, we are going to research and learn about these women as well as present and display our learning for everyone in our school to see.”
Erin Isbell & Marcella Hunter
Meridian Elementary
More Stories
Impact Across the District
From elementary tech clubs to district-wide educator support, KSF grants are making a difference in every corner of the Kent School District.
Paper Electronic Integration Into Set Design
Cedar Valley Tech Club
“Cedar Valley Tech Club participants learned how to make simple circuits using conductive tape, LED Lights, and a light activated sensor. Our scholars then integrated this new technology into art, creating color changing tissue paper flowers. We plan to expand on this technology in creating colorful additions to Cedar Valley's Drama Club's spring production of Alice in Wonderland.”
Erik Taveres
KSF Grant
New Educators Welcome
New Educator Welcome — August 2025
“In August 2025, the Kent Schools Foundation welcomed new Kent School District educators by providing them with gift cards to help kickstart their first year in the classroom. This initiative was made possible thanks to the generous support of Comcast. The response from the new educators was overwhelmingly positive — many sent heartfelt thank you cards expressing their appreciation.”
Kent Schools Foundation & Comcast
KSF Grant
A Garden of Learning
Courtyard Garden Project
“When Debbie Runyon's class received a KSF grant at Covington Elementary, students transformed their learning environment and gained hands-on experience that extended beyond the traditional classroom. KSF funding made the impossible possible.”
Debbie Runyon
KSF Grant
Vertical Whiteboards for Building Thinking Classrooms
Building Thinking Classrooms — Math
“A KSF grant brought vertical whiteboards to Sunrise Elementary, transforming how students engage with math. Working standing up and collaboratively, students build confidence, share thinking out loud, and tackle problems together in ways a traditional desk setup simply doesn't allow.”
Jackie Mann
KSF Grant
Choose Kind
Choose Kind — 2024 Classroom Grant
“Carrie Calonzo's 2024 KSF grant brought the "Choose Kind" initiative to Glenridge Elementary, uniting students around a shared message of inclusion and empathy. The program created a visible, school-wide culture of kindness that students and staff continue to build on every day.”
Carrie Calonzo
KSF Grant“With your funding we were able to purchase over 40 biographies specifically featuring the stories of women in STEM. The stories of women who shaped science as we know it today are historically under recognized. With your help and support, we are going to research and learn about these women and present our learning for everyone in our school to see.”
Quick Wins
More Moments That Matter
Every KSF grant — no matter the size — creates a moment that can change a student's trajectory.
Bringing Music to Life
Mr. Ramirez — Kent Middle School
With foundation funding, Mr. Ramirez started a ukulele club at his middle school. Now dozens of students have discovered a love of music and perform at school and community events throughout the year.
STEM in Action
Ms. Nguyen — Kent School District
A robotics grant allowed Ms. Nguyen's students to compete in their first district-wide robotics competition, building confidence and sparking lasting interest in engineering careers.
Art for All
Ms. Patel — Kent Elementary
Ms. Patel's art class used a KSF grant to purchase new supplies and host a student art show that drew families and community members from across the district.
Your Turn
Have you received a grant or participated in a KSF program?
We'd love to hear how it made a difference. Every story shared helps inspire more donors, partners, and educators to join the KSF community — and makes the case for continued investment in Kent students.
Submit Your Story
“Stories of change start in the classroom — and the Kent Schools Foundation is proud to help write them.”
Ready to Create Your Own Story?
If you're a KSD educator with a great idea, apply for a Classroom Enrichment Grant today and help your students write their own chapter.