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Fontana, CA

Environmental Impact K12

Grant Amount

$19,760

Year Awarded

2025-2026

Project Coordinator

Alyssa Bement

Grant Type

Team

Local Association

Fontana Teachers Association

Focus Area

Environmental Justice

About the Project

The Environmental Impact K–2 project at Maple Elementary introduces young students to environmental science through hands-on learning and storytelling. Designed for kindergarten through 2nd grade, the program builds awareness of nature, pollution, and sustainability with age-appropriate lessons such as seed planting, recycling relays, and garden-based activities. Students take active roles in projects like composting and clean-up efforts, gradually developing a sense of environmental stewardship and responsibility. The initiative emphasizes student voice, equity, and accessibility, providing differentiated instruction and inclusive activities for learners of all abilities. It also strengthens school-wide collaboration through teacher PLCs and connects families and community partners to support environmental justice and long-term sustainability goals.

Meet the Project Coordinator

Alyssa Bement

Alyssa Bement currently teaches 2nd grade at Maple Elementary School in Fontana, CA, where she also serves as the English Language Monitor, GATE coordinator, and assists in facilitating both the after-school Gardening and Art Clubs. The Environmental Impact Grant inspired the idea to create a team of Kindergarten - 2nd grade teachers to coordinate hands-on projects centered around recycling and sustainably sourced food. With this funding, we will engage students across 3 grade levels in multi-tiered, hands-on, learning about the environment and how to better protect it while also planting and maintaining classroom gardens. Through these efforts, Mrs. Bement aims to foster environmental awareness and responsibility in Maple's youngest learners with hopes for a lifetime impact. 

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