Seventeen Irvine school projects have been awarded nearly $200,000 in grants to support adaptive recess equipment, upgraded theater lighting systems, student-run news broadcasts, graphic novel festivals and more.
Each innovative project — whether new or ongoing — will receive up to $25,000 to help educators and schools implement technologies and resources that enhance student learning and growth.
Since 1996, the Irvine Public Schools Foundation has awarded over $2.7 million to the Irvine Unified School District through its Innovative Grants Program, aiming to support projects that introduce new teaching methods and make classrooms more engaging for students.
“These grants provide opportunities to bring innovative ideas to life, ensuring that our students are well-equipped for the challenges of tomorrow,” said Neda Eaton, president and CEO of IPSF. “We are grateful for the generous support of our community, which makes these transformative projects possible.”
The initiatives selected this year include plans to expand opportunities for students to explore musical creativity through performance and integrating assistive technology to support students with differing learning styles.
IPSF says funding for the program comes from community members, corporate sponsors and parent donations.
Here are the 2025 Innovative Grants Program recipients, with descriptions from IPSF and videos provided by each school.
Beacon Park School: Amplifying the Future: Empowering Student Musicians
This project will provide space, equipment and performance opportunities for student-led ensembles, empowering young musicians to perform in public and foster a love for music.
Brywood Elementary School: Be the Change
A new online learning platform offering interactive, project-based learning opportunities for students to connect, collaborate and grow in meaningful ways.
Canyon View Elementary School: Reimagine Recess
This initiative will enhance recess by introducing adaptive equipment, cooperative activities and non-physical options to create a more inclusive environment for all students.
Cypress Village Elementary School: Bridges
A service-learning project designed to foster inclusion through mentorship and community service between students in autism-specific and general education classes.
Irvine High School: Annual District-Wide Academic Competition
This project will introduce a district-wide academic competition that promotes collaboration and academic excellence, with Quiz Bowl serving as the cornerstone of the event.
Portola High School: Graphic Novels to Promote Literacy
Funding will support the purchase of new graphic novels and a graphic novel festival for students to foster literacy and a passion for reading.
Portola Springs Elementary School: Building the Flame
Students will create and run livestream news broadcasts, providing hands-on experience with digital media and communication tools.
Rancho San Joaquin Middle School: Shine a Light on Rancho’s Stars!
This grant will fund an update to the school’s outdated theater lighting system, enhancing productions in Rancho’s multipurpose room.
IUSD Special Education Department: Tech for Text: C-Pen Initiative
The C-Pen initiative will provide each IUSD school with two C-Pen reader devices, assistive technology that scans and reads text aloud, helping students with learning differences to access written material.
IUSD STEM Math Department: Empowering Instructional Assistants: Toolkits for Student Engagement
This project will equip instructional assistants with math resource toolkits, including training, activity guides and instructional videos to help maximize their impact with students.
Stonegate Elementary School: Designing the Future
Students will gain access to 3D printers and filament, allowing them to explore design and technology in the Innovation Lab and create tangible projects that foster creativity.
Westpark Elementary School: Westpark Garden
This garden project will allow students to connect with nature, learn about sustainable agriculture and cultivate a sense of responsibility toward the environment.