Back to School: Empowering Teachers, Inspiring Students

School supplies sitting on a desk with a chalk drawing of a rocket ship

This summer, West Ada Education Foundation is launching our Back-to-School Campaign to empower teachers and inspire students. This year, 100% of all funds raised will support our Classroom Innovation Grant program.

Thanks to generous donors, WAEF awarded $115,000 in Classroom Innovation Grants during the 2024–25 school year, supporting 66 classrooms across 39 school sites in West Ada. These grants help educators bring fresh, engaging ideas to life in their classrooms.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the projects WAEF funded last year:

  • A high school sports medicine class purchased medical-grade dummies, giving students real-world training in emergency care and preparing them for future careers.
  • A 4th-grade teacher brought geometry to life with a 3D printer project. Each student designed and printed their own fidget — turning abstract math concepts into something they could hold, use, and be proud of.
  • Across the district, schools used funding to replace broken P.E., music, and art supplies, ensuring every student had access to the same high-quality tools.

These are the kinds of experiences that light a spark in students and support our educators in doing what they do best.Want to learn more about the grant program? Read more about our Classroom Innovation Grants.