Igniting Imagination in Classrooms
By funding innovative classroom experiences, the Mapleton Education Foundation empowers educators to create engaging, hands-on learning that inspires students to explore, discover, and grow.
The Marchi Mini Grant Program
Fueling Ideas. Empowering Classrooms.
Every unforgettable learning experience begins with one thing: a teacher with an idea.
The Marchi Mini Grant Program helps Mapleton educators transform creative ideas into meaningful learning experiences that spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and inspire students to explore the world around them.
Established in 2013, the program honors the memory of Lisa Marchi - a beloved Mapleton teacher and principal whose passion for students and educators continues to shape classrooms across our district. Lisa believed that when teachers are empowered to innovate, students discover new possibilities for themselves and their futures.
Today, the Mapleton Education Foundation proudly continues her legacy by providing competitive classroom grants of up to $1,500 for individual educators and $3,000 for collaborative teaching teams.
Whether it's science experiments that ignite curiosity, engineering challenges that encourage problem-solving, literacy projects that build confidence, or creative arts experiences that help students find their voice, Marchi Mini Grants make extraordinary learning possible.
Every application is reviewed by the Mapleton Education Foundation Board of Directors, with awards announced each fall.
When teachers dream bigger, students discover more.
Apply for a Marchi Mini Grant
Have an innovative idea that could transform learning for your students?
We encourage every Mapleton educator to apply.
Applications will be open earlier this year - in August 2026!
Applications are reviewed by the Mapleton Education Foundation Board of Directors, with recipients notified by the end of October.
Educators you can apply here, Marchi Mini Grant Applications Due 9/26/2025!
2025–2026 Marchi Mini Grant Recipients
Last year, the Mapleton Education Foundation invested $15,000 to fund innovative classroom projects across the district. While we wish we could fund every application, we're continually inspired by the creativity, passion, and dedication of Mapleton educators.
Congratulations to our 2025–2026 recipients:
- Joyce Martinez – Explore PK-8 — Math Ready: Supporting Early Number Sense
- Amber Wilcox – Global Intermediate Academy — Barbie's Bivariate Bungee Data
- Lorraine Garrison – Clayton Partnership School — Cougar Challenge: Team Building for Stronger Students
- Maureen Russ – Meadow Community School — Let's Talk About Cooking
- Brian Touher – North Valley School for Young Adults — End the Year Strong! STEM Credit Recovery Intensive
- Tia Nevil – Welby Community School of the Arts — Powering Creativity: Safe Tools for the Next Generation of Innovators
- Mellissa Pfaff – Academy High School — Biotech in Action: Equipping Students with Tomorrow's Tools
- Nicholas Sabri – Mapleton Early Career Prep — Creating a Flexible, Inclusive Classroom Environment
- Rebecca Jessie – Achieve Academy — Innovation and Individual Support
- Bailey Humphrey – Global Leadership Academy — Classroom Library Makeover
- Erica Wernsmann – Mapleton Expeditionary School of the Arts — Turn on the Light!
