Celebrating Innovation: $15,485 in Grants Awarded to Blackstone Valley Schools

Across the Blackstone Valley, classrooms are preparing to transform learning thanks to $15,485 in school grants awarded by the Blackstone Valley Education Foundation (BVEF) for the 2025–2026 school year. From early childhood to high school, these grants will help educators bring real-world skills, creative exploration, and future-focused experiences directly to their students.

This year, 14 applications were submitted from seven districts. After careful review, BVEF is proud to fund 13 projects that reflect its mission: empowering educators, connecting students to careers, and fostering hands-on, meaningful learning at every grade level.

Spotlighting Future-Ready Learning

Several funded grants directly support career-connected learning through cutting-edge technology and immersive experiences:

Milford High School will expand its VR Learning initiative, integrating virtual reality into courses like computer science, web design, and media arts to deepen student engagement in design, coding, and creative production.

Blackstone Valley Tech (BVT) will launch Virtual Pathways, a new VR simulation experience embedded in its nursing assistant training program. This project allows students to build critical clinical and communication skills in an immersive healthcare setting.

STEAM & Design in Action

Creativity, engineering, and applied design come to life in several standout STEAM initiatives:

Grafton High School will implement Project Lead The Way’s Introduction to Engineering curriculum, giving students a robust foundation in real-world design and problem-solving.

BVT will support a group of students attending the 2026 STEM Education Outdoor Classroom Day at Six Flags, making the trip more accessible and reinforcing STEM pathways through immersive, out-of-school learning.

Expanding Access for Young Learners

BVEF also remains committed to early learning and inclusion:

Millbury’s Elmwood Elementary School will enhance its preschool courtyard to create a more developmentally rich outdoor environment that supports play-based learning and exploration.

Wellness, Inclusion & Student Voice

Several projects directly support student wellness, voice, and real-world leadership:

Grafton Middle School will integrate Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) STEPPS-A into a Tier 2 group therapy intervention, equipping counselors and staff with tools to support students’ emotional well-being through targeted SEL programming.

Looking Ahead

These grants reflect the strength and creativity of the Blackstone Valley’s educators, who continue to design meaningful, relevant experiences that prepare students for life beyond the classroom. As these projects launch in the coming school year, we look forward to sharing their stories and celebrating their impact.