The Junior League of Dallas (JLD) and presenting sponsor Texas Instruments (TI) recently awarded 33 Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) educators with grants of up to $2,500 each through the annual Grants for Innovative Teaching (GFIT) program.
In its history, this JLD Signature Project has awarded more than $2.27 million to Dallas ISD educators, and this year, it will indirectly impact more than 69,750 students. It is designed to encourage excellence in education by funding special projects addressing reading and literacy enrichment; diversity; special education; science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); or arts and culture enrichment across one or more grade levels. This year, $77,400 was distributed to support deserving educators’ winning projects during a ceremony held September 18, 2025, at Junior League of Dallas Headquarters.
“The Junior League of Dallas and Grants for Innovative Teaching committee are proud to support Dallas ISD educators and their students with this annual program. The projects awarded this year highlight creative teaching that elevates the learning experiences for thousands of Dallas ISD students,” said JLD President Dr. Lindsay Davis. “The funding of these grants is made possible through the visionary donations of our sponsors including Texas Instruments (Presenting Sponsor) and The Agnes Cluthe Oliver Foundation. Their continued generosity is an investment in the promise of every student’s potential.”
Some of this year’s grants include: Structural Analysis of PTF1 Complexes in Pancreatic Development;, Café Connections: Sowing Friendship, Serving Life Skills; Curious Hands: Revitalizing the PreK Sensory Lab and LitTech Explorers: Unlocking Literacy through Diversity and Innovation. The projects awarded will provide students with diverse experiences and highlight the innovation of the Dallas ISD educators.
Structural Analysis of PTF1 Complexes in Pancreatic Development
Biology students at Thomas Jefferson High School are researching key protein complexes critical for pancreas formation, using advanced tools like PyMOL and 3D printers. This interdisciplinary project combines biology, computer science, and engineering, addressing a serious genetic disease while giving students real-world scientific experience.
Café Connections: Sowing Friendship, Serving Life Skills
This project aims to empower students at W.H. Adamson High School with significant cognitive disabilities by providing them with hands-on experience operating a coffee and smoothie cart for the faculty at W.H. Adamson High School. Recognizing the need for inclusive opportunities for these students to develop essential life skills, the project focuses on three main components: social skills, money management, and interpersonal skills. By engaging in activities such as interacting with customers, handling transactions, and managing inventory, students are able to build valuable social and communication skills.
Curious Hands: Revitalizing the PreK Sensory Lab
This project aims to revitalize the pre-K sensory lab at L.L. Hotchkiss Elementary School by introducing new materials that promote cognitive development, creativity, and social skills. Teachers plan to create an immersive space for students to explore textures, colors, and sounds through hands-on activities. With tools like a light panel, dinosaur bone kits, sensory rice, and more, the sensory center will support brain development, motor skills, and teamwork, fostering curiosity and learning for every child.
“No other classroom factor influences student academic achievement more significantly than teachers,” said Andy Smith, TI director of giving and volunteering. “They not only act as mentors and advocates for their students but also equip them with skills for future achievements. We’re celebrating 15 years of supporting the Junior League of Dallas’ Grants for Innovative Teaching awards, and we take pride in being associated with a program that honors exceptional and innovative educators like this year’s winners from Dallas ISD.”
Source: press release
