Coral Springs schools receive 2026 micro-grants for STEM, speech and student programs
Coral Springs, Florida – Several Coral Springs schools are set to receive new support for student-focused projects after being selected as recipients of the 2026 Education Foundation micro-grants from the Coral Springs Coconut Creek Regional Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation.
The grants will help bring a variety of educational programs to life, including a speech development project, a STEM engineering challenge, autism support services, and a new playground honoring the late Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer.
The foundation announced that it will recognize the first-cycle 2026 grant recipients during its Partners in Progress: Education Community Impact Luncheon on Aug. 27. The event will bring together local business leaders, educators, elected officials, and community partners to celebrate programs designed to strengthen student learning and engagement.
The foundation did not release the individual grant amounts, but officials said the funding will support classroom projects at Park Springs Elementary School, Parkside Elementary School, and James S. Hunt Elementary School in Coral Springs.
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Park Springs Elementary School received two of the four Coral Springs grants. One project will create a Multisensory Speech Sound Lab designed to support students through specialized speech exercises and learning activities. The second project, titled Engineering Motion: Marble Roller Coaster STEM Challenge, will give students an opportunity to explore engineering concepts through hands-on design and problem-solving.
The marble roller coaster project is expected to encourage students to learn about motion, creativity, and engineering principles by designing and testing their own structures. Officials said projects like these are intended to bring more interactive experiences into classrooms and allow students to apply lessons in practical ways.
Parkside Elementary School was selected to receive funding for its ASD Cluster, a program serving students with autism spectrum disorder. While officials did not provide specific details about the materials or services the grant will cover, the award is expected to support resources that help meet the needs of students receiving specialized educational services.
At James S. Hunt Elementary School, grant funding will support a playground project honoring former Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer. Details about the playground design and construction timeline were not released, but school officials said the project will create an additional space for students to enjoy play and recreation.
The Coral Springs projects are among nine total grants awarded through the foundation’s 2026 program. Five additional projects in Coconut Creek were also selected, focusing on areas such as robotics, water conservation, reading, communication, and sensory room improvements.
The annual micro-grant program is designed to support educator ideas that provide students with new opportunities for hands-on learning and greater classroom involvement. Through the program, teachers can seek funding for creative projects that may not otherwise be possible through traditional school resources.
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“We continue to be inspired by the passion and creativity of our local educators,” Charinus Davis, president and CEO of the Coral Springs Coconut Creek Regional Chamber of Commerce, said in a press release. “These grants help bring innovative ideas to life while creating lasting opportunities for students to learn, grow, and succeed.”
Organizers said the upcoming luncheon will highlight the importance of partnerships between schools, businesses, and community organizations. The foundation hopes the grants will continue to encourage innovation and provide students with meaningful educational experiences.
For the schools receiving funding, the awards represent more than financial support. They provide opportunities for students to explore new skills, receive additional resources, and participate in projects that connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. As the 2026 grant recipients prepare to begin their projects, educators and community leaders say the investment will help create positive impacts for students across Coral Springs and Coconut Creek.
