Innovative Grant Winners 2026

The Alief Education Foundation (AEF) continues to invest in innovative teaching across Alief ISD. This year, AEF has awarded more than $25,000 in Innovative Teacher Grants and Mini Grants, supporting creative classroom ideas that directly benefit students.

Over the past few weeks, AEF Board membersβ€”including Board President Raquel Olivier, Vice President Kodi Bailey, Secretary and Grants Committee Chair Clarence Anderson, and Liaison Li Wen Suβ€”along with district leadership, visited campuses across the district to surprise grant recipients and celebrate their impact.

Grant Recipients by Campus

  • Best Elementary – Caressia Grooms

  • Holmquist Elementary – Cathy Parks

  • Alexander Elementary – Brianna Miller

  • Alief Middle School – Andrea Condell Stewart

  • Elsik High School – Olanrewaju Kayode

  • Liestman Elementary – Jennifer Ozturk

  • Boone Elementary – Petra Riley

  • Horn Elementary – Luisa Villapando-Lopez

  • Sneed Elementary – Jessica Bellard; Karina Flores

  • Alief Early College – Brian Stephenson; Bella Escot-Mendoza

  • Smith Elementary – Brenda Larios; Ritu Gandhi

  • Alief Learning Center – Brien Jefferson

  • Landis Elementary – Ana Gonzalez

  • Rees Elementary – Enyi Rosa Gomez

  • Olle Middle School – Stephanie Bennett

  • Martinez ELC – Janeth Montalvo

  • Cummings Elementary – Jennifer Evans

  • Kerr High School – Lashonda Cameron; Karen Orta

  • Chancellor Elementary – Coach James

  • Hicks Elementary – Kristi Heer

  • Martin Elementary – Brenda Villafuerte

  • Hastings High School – Victoria Tarkington

The AEF encourages teachers from every campus to apply for future grant opportunities. Whether it’s a bold instructional approach, a hands-on learning experience, or a creative classroom enhancement, your idea could be the next one funded.

The AEF would like to extend a special thank you to Board Secretary and Grants Committee Chair Clarence Anderson for his hard work and leadership throughout the grant application and review process. His efforts were instrumental in bringing these opportunities to educators across the district.

AEF also sincerely thanks Dr. Mays, his administrative team, and the Alief ISD Public Relations team for their continued support and collaboration in coordinating campus visits and helping bring these surprise celebrations to life.

Together, we are investing in educators, empowering innovation, and enriching learning experiences for students across Alief ISD.