Hunterdon, Warren, Sussex and Morris teachers awarded grants for innovative classroom projects
TRENTON, N.J. — Educators in Hunterdon, Warren, Sussex and Morris counties are among those receiving funding from the NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation for Excellence in Education, which announced $97,406 in grants for 17 creative classroom projects across New Jersey this school year.
The program, supported in part by an additional $10,000 contribution from Visions Federal Credit Union, funds bold and innovative projects designed to enhance the learning environment in public schools. Since its establishment in 1993, the foundation has awarded more than $2.6 million for 487 projects statewide.
In Hunterdon County, Clinton Township educator Erin Evans received $4,000 for “Building Brighter Futures: LEGO SPIKE Innovation for K-2.” Hunterdon County PolyTechnical Education Association’s Taryn Romanczak was awarded $7,840 for “Deep in Sheep,” while Sharon Ernst of the East Amwell Education Association secured $2,899 for a hydroponic growing and learning system project.
In Warren County, Phillipsburg educator Faith Roncoroni earned $10,000 for “Sequential Storytelling,” which was designated a continuation grant for building upon previously funded work.
In Sussex County, Kittatinny Education Association’s Mary Houghtaling received $10,000 through the Visions Grant for Social Justice to sustain and expand the Holocaust and Genocide Research Center. Cathryn Weiss-Connors of the Sussex-Wantage Education Association was awarded $8,600 for “You, Me, & Robots: Coding through Collaboration.”
In Morris County, Susan Charlton of the Mine Hill Teachers Association secured $1,216 for a “SEL LEGO Wall,” while East Hanover educator Angela Klein received $5,963 for “Bringing Ideas to Life in 3D.”
The Hipp Foundation awards are designed to give teachers resources for innovative programs that might not otherwise be funded. Continuation grants, such as the one awarded in Warren County, provide additional one-time support for projects previously funded within the past two years.
For more information about specific projects or to connect with project coordinators, visit the NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation’s website.
