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Sun City, CA

Environmentally Sustainable Solutions to the Housing Affordability Crisis

Grant Amount

$19,860

Year Awarded

2025-2026

Project Coordinator

Chad Davis

Grant Type

Team

Local Association

Menifee Teachers Association

Focus Area

Environmental Justice

About the Project

This collaborative project brings together students from Technology, Media, and Science to address the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and community development.
Technology students will explore the use of drones for land surveys and environmental monitoring, applying CAD software to design homes constructed with 3D printing technology to promote affordable and environmentally conscious housing solutions. Science students will engage in two phases of research: first, studying the environmental impact of traditional construction, and then exploring solutions for environmentally friendly community development. They will also study the Santa Rosa Plateau, focusing on local habitats and gaining firsthand knowledge of environmental preservation. Afterwards, they will design and construct a model of sustainable housing communities in a Makerspace. Media students will utilize industry-standard video production equipment to document the entire process, conducting interviews with peers and local experts in city planning and environmental preservation. Their work will culminate in a documentary that captures the interdisciplinary efforts of all involved. The project will conclude with a presentation to district leaders and the community, showcasing the students’ work and fostering a culture of collaboration, empathy, service, and collective action toward meaningful environmental and social change.

Meet the Project Coordinator

Chad Davis

Chad Davis, Sarah Weiland, and David Abry form a dynamic teaching team dedicated to inspiring middle school students. Chad teaches 8th grade science and technology while serving as NGSS Lead, Site Leadership Team and School Site Council member, union site representative and treasurer, and ESports Coach. Sarah teaches 6th grade science and math, leads the Girls Who Code Club, is a union site representative, and contributes as Math Lead and Leadership Team member. David teaches 7th grade English Language Arts and video production, and also coaches volleyball and advises the Yearbook Club. United by their passion for raising student awareness about environmental challenges, particularly those shaped by socioeconomic factors, they empower students not only to understand these problems but also to spread awareness and explore creative, solution-oriented responses.

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