Valley Alliance for Education is celebrating 35 years next week, and its impact on local classrooms has almost reached platinum status.
VAE has awarded nearly $1 million to local classrooms since its beginning as a nonprofit organization. On Tuesday, educators in the SAW area will receive nearly $50,000 in Creative Classroom grants for teacher-led projects.
“Reaching nearly a million dollars invested in our classrooms is a milestone, but it’s also a launchpad for the next generation of innovation in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County,” said Tonia Garman, VAE’s board president.
VAE is awarding $47,087.33 across all education levels, from Pre-K to 12th grade.
The grants come at a time when federal funding for local schools is under fire as President Donald Trump and his administration look to dissolve the U.S. Department of Education.
Title I and Title II funding is important for local systems to fill in the gaps for children living in poverty and to support English Language Learner programs for immigrants.
Grants were provided to the following broad areas:
- $19,892.12: Art, music and physical education
- $18,760.04: Math, science and technology
- $8,435.17: Language arts, reading and social studies
Creative Classroom grants are selected by a volunteer committee of community members, school personnel and local parents using a blind review. All identifying information — such as school and district names — is fully redacted so proposals are judged solely on the strength of the idea and its impact on students.
The 2025-26 recipients will be honored at the Creative Classroom Grants Celebration and Annual Reception at Blue Ridge Community College’s Plecker Center on Aug. 19 at 5 p.m.
“As we celebrate 35 years, I’m inspired by how our community shows up for teachers,” said Tina Kiracofe, VAE’s administrative coordinator.
The next Creative Classroom grant cycle opens Oct. 6, 2026.
“We’re looking for creativity. Use your imagination. Make this an exciting addition to what you’re doing in the classroom,” said Dr. Patricia Devitt, VAE’s Educational Excellence committee chair.
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Crystal Graham
