Educator Grants
The GEF Innovation Grant funds impacted both my students and me tremendously. It deepened my understanding of how to design a project that would increase the participation, engagement and learning of my students. For my students, it deepened their understanding of the engineering process and the collaboration it requires when designing a project.
The Goleta Education Foundation believes that every child should have the chance to excel in school and build character. To that end, GEF pursues resources with equity of opportunity in mind, taking into account the unique needs of the Goleta Valley education community. We promote ancillary programs that enhance the opportunity for enrichment experiences that contribute to academic and personal success.
Innovation Grants
GEF is proud to support Goleta Union School District (GUSD) educators who are pioneers in the field of education. By submitting an innovative idea, teachers have an opportunity to receive support for their impact on students’ learning. In alignment with our mission and values, GEF awards Innovation Grants up to $2500 to GUSD educators. Grants cover a wide range of areas, including but not limited to: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM), social-emotional development, and character education.
Professional Development Scholarships
GUSD educators are experts in their fields. We encourage and support educators who seek to pursue ongoing learning opportunities beyond school site and district level professional development. We recognize that differences bring strength to GUSD.
GEF funds meaningful professional development to enrich the education of GUSD students. We look for thoughtful proposals that include tangible ways to share new learning with GUSD colleagues and to incorporate new learnings into teaching practices.
As an educator, I was reminded to think outside of the box when tried and true solutions were not effective. In my role as a school psychologist I work with students with varying degrees of need. Thanks in part to my administrators who allowed me the flexibility to intensify this intervention to meet the needs of the students, and the receipt of this grant that allowed me to purchase the tools that were necessary for teaching, I have learned that I have many options to address student issues that impact learning.
I am immensely grateful for this grant, for the impact that it is having, and for the lessons I am learning along the way. Thank you GEF for funding this project and supporting my idea! It is undoubtedly having a positive impact on Goleta students.
Winter Educator Grant Recipients
“How can we build upon the students‘ classroom science curriculum related to sound? Can we teach sound in a fun and stimulating way?” That’s what Jessica Zavala, a GUSD STEAM specialist, wants to know. With GEF's Innovation Grant funding, all first graders in the...
GEF Supports Inclusion Preschools through Educator Grant
The Goleta Union School District has revamped their preschools this year. Three inclusion programs serve neurotypical and neurodivergent students aged 3 through TK at Ellwood, Hollister, and La Patera schools. GEF provided approximately 60 books to each classroom...
Congratulations to our recent recipients!
GEF is pleased to announce our recent Educator Grant recipients. Thanks to our generous Lemon Run sponsors, participants, and community support, we are excited to continue this essential program for GUSD educators. Graciela Romero Martinez, a Learning Center...
