Snohomish Education Foundation Awards Over $103,000 in Classroom and Essential Needs Grants to Support Learning

Community support powers new funding for Snohomish School District educators

The Snohomish Education Foundation (SEF) is proud to announce the distribution of $103,737 in classroom and essential needs grants for the 2025-2026 school year—SEF’s largest award total to date. This funding directly supports innovative educational programs and hands-on learning experiences that inspire students across the Snohomish School District.

With over 140 applications for classroom grants totaling over $148,000 in requests, SEF funded 126 projects, 112 of which were fully funded, achieving an 87% full-funding rate. An additional $4,075 was awarded as Essential Needs grants which support programs across the district fulfilling needs of students and families in our community.

“What stands out this year is the number of grants that build connection across classrooms, grade levels, and programs,” said Sam Janke, SEF Grant Committee Chair. “From STEM and literacy initiatives to experiential learning, these projects strengthen both student learning and school communities.”

“Our educators consistently bring forward creative and meaningful ideas that inspire curiosity, belonging, and confidence in students,” said Erica Cenci, Executive Director of the Snohomish Education Foundation. “These grants reflect SEF’s commitment to partnering with teachers to take learning beyond the traditional classroom and ensure every student has access to opportunities.”

These grants are made possible through the generosity of the Snohomish community. The families, businesses, and donors who support SEF are the heart of these initiatives, ensuring Snohomish students have access to engaging and enriching education. SEF will continue tracking the impact of these grants, with committee members visiting classrooms this spring to see projects in action.

“The partnership between SEF and our schools is an incredible asset to our students and community,” said Dr. Kent Kultgen, Superintendent of Snohomish School District. “These classroom grants help our educators bring learning to life and create experiences that broaden opportunities for students across the district.”

This year’s grant cycle funds programs and projects that elevate opportunities for students — including hands-on STEM learning, literacy initiatives, classroom innovation, experiential learning, outdoor education, student wellness, and career and trades exploration.

SEF also is in its second year of awarding Innovative Grants. This year, SEF awarded three of those grants to:

• Machias Elementary’s 6^th Grade House Challenge
• Central Emerson Elementary’s Sensory Garden
• Snohomish High School’s Freddie the Frosting Machine

A full list of this year’s funded grants is on the SEF website at www.snoed.org/classroomgrants.

The community can continue to make its mark and support the SEF Classroom Grants program by attending this year’s SEF Annual Auction which will be held Saturday, November 7, at Tulalip Casino Resort.