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.
2026–2027 Marchi Mini Grant Recipients
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 2026–2027 recipients:
- Justine Bickford - Valley View K-7 — Creating a Flexible, Inclusive Classroom Environment
- Keven Wilhelm - Clayton Partnership K-8 — PickleBall
- Jeannine Stout - Meadow Community School K-8 — Literacy Library
- Clare Murphy - York International K-12 — ILC and Unified Program
- Evelyn Ripsom - Performing art Department — Elitch's Music Education Festival
- Kou Nou (Nouvv) Vang - Global Intermediate Academy — Probability Carnival
- Victoria Lauresk - Trailside K-8 — Living Heros
Amber Wilcox - Global Intermediate Academy 7th-8th — Making Algebra Concrete
Best of luck MEF!
