Discover how an SCSDEF grant helped Latia George launch the Shining Stars Talent Enrichment Showcase at William C. Keane Elementary—a celebration of student creativity, cultural pride, and radical inclusion where every child, including selectively mute and non-verbal students, found their moment to shine.

Schenectady High School students built 3lb combat robots and competed at the National Havoc Robot League—the world's toughest robotics competition—thanks to an SCSDEF grant. Learn how two students reached the final 16 out of 80 bots, why SCRC is the best-performing high school team at NHRL, and how this experience sparked a lasting love of STEM engineering in a group of kids who had never heard of the sport just months before.

See how a grant helped Jennifer Dixon at Howe Elementary create after school activities that got students active, outdoors, and connected through healthy habits, positivity, and life skills.

See how a SCSDEF grant helped Brittany DuQuette’s fifth grade classes at Paige Elementary publish Revolutionary War Alphabet Books and celebrate student writing, research, and creativity.

Check out the Husky Hello Cafe, a student-run coffee cart helping Hamilton Elementary scholars practice real-world communication skills. See how delivering morning coffee fosters fierce independence and unites an entire school community!

SCSDEF provided Mrs. Lee’s ENL students with 4 field trips in our community. The project was designed to create a vibrant, language-rich environment where students could practice their English skills in real-world settings. What unfolded was a journey of discovery, connection, and empowerment.

SCSDEF provided a barrier-free Bronx Zoo trip for seven Oasis program students. They built confidence and independence while navigating the rainy day, reinforcing key social-emotional skills and creating lasting memories. This experience highlights the profound impact of community support on student growth.

SCSDEF funding brought hands on outdoor learning experiences to life for students at Yates Elementary! Through the variety of lessons taught to K-5 students, they have gained a better understanding of where our food comes from, why we need to take care of our planet, and just how engaging and transformative science opportunities can be.

Thanks to grant funding from SCSDEF, Big Picture Learning Teacher Jinfeng Dong bought beginner-level Chinese picture books for her Chinese Level 1 students, creating an engaging and interactive way for them to explore the language. These books inspired group and individual reading sessions and even fostered collaboration between Chinese and adult ENL classes.

SCSDE funding brought criminal justice careers to life for Schenectady High School students! Through the Criminal Justice Career Exploration (LEEP) Field Trip, students gained hands-on insights into law enforcement, legal processes, and civic responsibilities.

Thanks to a grant from SCSDEF, students at Mont Pleasant Middle School had the opportunity to build language and social skills through fun, age-appropriate games and activities. From lunchtime game sessions to classroom integration, the experience created a safe, engaging environment where students thrived—and even took the lead in teaching others. This initiative is a shining example of how joyful learning can foster meaningful growth.