The Franklin Regional Panther Foundation is investing $24,276.48 in innovative classroom learning through three 2026 Innovation Grants awarded to Franklin Regional educators.

The grants support projects spanning Kindergarten through 12th grade and will provide students with hands-on opportunities to explore STEM, develop self-regulation skills, and engage in interdisciplinary research and real-world problem-solving. 

“We are proud to support Franklin Regional educators who are finding creative ways to engage students and enhance learning,” Deana Callipare, FRPF Executive Director, said. “These grants allow innovative ideas to become meaningful classroom experiences while creating resources that can benefit students for years to come.” 

Fourth-grade students will integrate STEM into English Language Arts and Social Studies through hands-on engineering and design challenges using LEGO bricks, K’Nex, and KEVA Planks. Students will tackle curriculum-connected projects such as reconstructing the Alamo, designing marine life adapted to the Mariana Trench, and redesigning pioneer wagons. The project develops the “5 C’s” — Collaboration, Creativity, Communication, Critical Thinking, and Citizenship. 

This initiative will provide sensory exploration tools, flexible seating, and behavioral and emotional regulation resources to support students across Kindergarten through second grade. The project is designed to remove barriers to learning while strengthening academic engagement, self-regulation, fine motor development, and positive classroom behaviors. Resources will support all primary students, including those in Life Skills, Learning Support, and Autistic Support classrooms. 

The Neuro Behavior Research Lab will connect Psychology, Entrepreneurship, and Business through hands-on research using wearable technology and biometric data. Students will explore physiological responses such as stress and heart rate while applying eye-tracking and neuromarketing concepts to understand consumer behavior and decision-making. The reusable technology will also create opportunities for future interdisciplinary learning across the district.

Together, these grants demonstrate the Foundation’s commitment to empowering educators and providing students with innovative, hands-on learning experiences. 

From sensory exploration in the primary grades, to STEM design challenges in fourth grade, to biometric research at the high school level, the Foundation’s $24,276.48 investment will help bring new ideas and opportunities into Franklin Regional classrooms. 

The Franklin Regional Panther Foundation congratulates the 2026 Innovation Grant recipients and thanks them for their dedication to creating meaningful learning experiences for students. 

Established in 2016, the Franklin Regional Panther Foundation, Inc. (FRPF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that was formed to support the crucial innovative student programming required to develop a 21st-century student in preparation for a modern workforce. The mission of the FRPF is to ensure the highest level of educational innovation, supporting students, faculty, and staff with community involvement in a partnership of lifelong learning in academics, arts, and athletics. Learn more and follow FRPF on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/franklin-regional-panther-foundation.

Photo caption: Chuck Hergenroeder / FRPF President, Talin Drabik / FRPF Director, Samantha Westerlund, Roger Crider, Megan Booley, Kaitlyn Cherdinelli, Renee Ryan, Eric Rettger / FRPF Director, Brooke Joseph, Dino DePaulo / FRPF Director