Langley Awards $25,000 in Grants for Innovative Classroom Projects

Arrowood added, “Students will learn to calculate material costs, set fair prices, and reflect on customer feedback, all while practicing creativity and collaboration. With Langley’s support, we’ll provide students with the tools to bring their ideas to life and the opportunity to experience the pride of earning through effort and imagination.”

Hampton Public Schools teacher, Kristina Ledesma, received a grant to support an outdoor gardening project at Alfred Forrest Elementary. “Alfred Forrest Elementary is a Title 1 school, where resources are often limited, and many students do not have access to enriching educational experiences outside the classroom. By establishing an outdoor garden, we are not only enhancing the educational curriculum but also providing a valuable resource for community engagement.”

Ledesma added “Receiving this grant directly benefits not only 100 fifth-grade students but also their families and the community at large. The garden will allow students to directly interact with nature and understand the importance of environmental conservation. This experiential approach to learning is particularly beneficial in fostering curiosity and a love for science.”

Through the grants, totaling $25,000, Langley is championing diverse initiatives with a focus on enhancing the classroom experience. Langley established the annual mini grant program in 2006 to assist local elementary, middle and high school teachers.

“Langley is dedicated to supporting local students and teachers across the communities we serve as we understand that education is the foundation of success and financial wellbeing, and that teachers are the driving force behind a strong education system,” said Jerome Fowlkes, Langley’s Chief Impact Officer and Vice Board Chair of the Langley for Families Foundation Board. “The teacher mini grant program provides educators in our communities with the support and resources they need to enrich classroom learning and create equitable opportunities that help students thrive.”

The recipients of the 2025 mini grants are:

Langley Federal Credit Union has a long history of community involvement and charitable giving dating back to the founding of the credit union in the 1930’s. With a commitment to making a difference in the communities it serves, the Langley for Families Foundation was launched in 2014 to support causes and charities benefiting children and families.

Langley Federal Credit Union is a Virginia-based financial cooperative that has been serving its members since 1936. With over $5.6 billion in assets and 400,000 members, Langley is a full-service financial institution with approximately 700 employees and 20 branch locations in Hampton Roads VA, Richmond VA, and Raleigh NC. Langley is a federally chartered credit union, regulated and insured by the National Credit Union Administration. For more information, visit www.langleyfcu.org.