Education Grant WinnerSamantha Santos

There are a large number of students with learning challenges who struggle to develop motor skills that are vital for growing both educationally and socially. Having the resources they need to carve out these traits are, oftentimes, limited—particularly an area where it’s comfortable for them to improve their emotional and physical abilities.

Samantha Santos, educator at Colonial Hills Elementary, sought to construct a Motor Lab in memory of her late mentor, Ms. Michelle Griffin, that would allow her students a balanced schedule, a place to express themselves, and room where they had free time to have fun. Thanks to Power of the Dollar® members, she was awarded a $1,000 grant in December 2025 for his “Michelle’s Motor Lab” project idea, which she then used the grant funds to purchase mini trampolines, spinning boards, activity mats, as well as an array of sensory items for her kids with special needs to enjoy!

“Prior to getting this grant, we’ve always wanted to make a sensory motor lab room but never had the funds,” said Santos. “What really inspired me the most was our mentor-teacher here on campus—she recently passed away—and it was her wish to have a motor lab. I saw I could get a Firstmark education grant, and since I got it, the kids really enjoy everything they’ve been given!”

With their new lab, students are able to take part in individualized therapy plans, all while being immersed in an engaging environment. Whether it’s relaxing on the couch, retaining good energy from a swing-set, or enhancing their daily functioning, the kids have shown drastic improvement from a behavioral and production standpoint. Most schools who do not have the funds to create these types of rooms for their students have had their fair share of challenges, but since Ms. Santos was given the grant, she’s noticed the positive impact its had on her kiddos, who are eager to visit this room every day.

“We didn’t have a designated space for them to have fun or break time, which really hindered their academics because we had some kids taking a break while other kids were working,” she said. “The point where our class is in the building, it’s so far from the playground, so kids with motor disabilities or wheelchairs, it was very difficult to getting students over there. Now with the motor lab, our staff is able to put them on a plan, and their productivity has increased while their bad behavior has decreased because now they have an outlet to express themselves and get out all that pent-up energy!”