Krista Steinwender, a kindergarten through second grade Academic Life Skills teacher at Forest Vista Elementary School, uses her LEF grant to cook up brighter futures. Steinwender’s weekly cooking lessons are now more engaging an enjoyable because of the items purchased through an LEF grant -- child-safe knives, vegetable peelers, rolling pins, and hand-held mixers to name a few.

Through an LEF Grant funded by Scheels, TCHS art teacher, Leigh Ann Richardson created a fun joint project between her high school art students and Camey Elementary students next door. Elementary students created original "monsters" with drawing and written descriptions and the high school students used the newly funded art supplies such as felt, thread, and sewing needles to bring the monsters to life.

Thanks to a scholarship from LEF and the FMHS PTSA, JP Lipari pursued civil engineering at UT Austin without the weight of financial stress. Prepared by LISD, he found academic success, meaningful friendships, and career affirmation through internships. Grateful for the support, Lipari now aspires to design equitable, transit-friendly cities that reflect his values and improve lives.