WACO, TX – The ESC Region 12 Technology Foundation surprised ten Region 12 educators with over $87,700 in grant funds during the weeks of March 9 and March 16. These grant funds will support education technology projects expected to serve 2,385 students across 10 schools.

“These grants are more than just funding—they’re investments in innovation, creativity, and hands-on learning for our students,” said Dr. Kenny Berry, Executive Director of ESC Region 12. “By equipping classrooms with cutting-edge technology, we are empowering educators to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers and critical thinkers.”

Academy ISD’s High School received $10,696 for “Engraving Excellence: Laser-Focused Skills for Future Leaders,” a project that will establish a design and engraving studio for the Agriculture Mechanic program. Students will move beyond theoretical learning to provide custom engraving services for the district, gain business management skills and produce revenue for the program.

Aquilla ISD received $6,125 for “Drone Technology in Agriculture: Growing STEM and Career Pathways,” a project that will connect science, technology and career education to introduce students to agricultural drone technology. Students will explore how aerial imaging, mapping and crop monitoring transform modern agriculture.

Blooming Grove ISD’s Elementary School received $12,600 for “Terra Nexus Project,” a project that will establish a solar-powered outdoor learning lab with environmental sensors, cameras and other tools. Students will explore the living ecosystem, analyze data and experience how technology and nature depend on one another.

Corsicana ISD’s High School received $14,085 for “Creative Design & Innovation Center,” a project that will establish a virtual reality and fabrication learning lab to merge digital design with physical creation. Students will design, render and prototype various products, including merchandise, signage and more. 

Gatesville ISD’s Primary School received $2,166 for “Learning in Motion: Coding Meets Literacy,” a project that will provide hands-on educational robots with coding mats and literacy cards to promote early computational thinking and literacy integration. Students will explore cause-and-effect, sequencing and problem solving while reinforcing phonics and sight words.

Killeen ISD’s Skipcha Elementary School received $5,070 for “Empowering Every Voice,” a project that will expand the school’s inventory of Assistive Technology (AT) devices and purchase software to support Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Students with unique communication needs will be able to better express themselves and connect with the school environment. 

Meridian ISD’s High School received $14,783 for “Digital Media Studio: Career Pathways for Rural Communication,” a project that will serve as a cross-curricular hub for video, audio and graphic design training. Students will use industry-standard equipment to produce weekly school announcements, social media content and the annual yearbook.

Troy ISD’s High School received $5,995 for “Ultrasound Technology in Animal and Human Science,” a project that will integrate portable ultrasound and diagnostic imaging technology into the animal science curriculum. Students will learn to use industry-standard technology with certification-level proficiency, better preparing them for careers in the medical field.

Whitney ISD’s High School received $14,959 for “Broadcasting Excellence: Professional Mac Computer Integration for Career-Ready Students,” a project that will equip the school’s broadcasting program with professional-grade tools and software. Students will produce daily news broadcasts, documentaries, promotional content and portfolio pieces.

Wortham ISD’s High School received $1,286 for “Pretty in Print,” a project that will equip the floral design program with a professional-grade ribbon and label printer to personalize floral arrangements. Students will be able to provide on-demand customization, fostering hands-on skills in design, branding, entrepreneurship and professional presentation.

This year marked the first time Gatesville ISD and Meridian ISD received grants from the ESC Region 12 Technology Foundation. Additionally, the grant awards for Aquilla ISD, Gatesville ISD, Meridian ISD and Wortham ISD were fully funded by ESC Region 12 staff donors.

Including these grant awards, the ESC Region 12 Technology Foundation has awarded $865,973 to Region 12 schools and served 40,670 students in Central Texas.