Education Grant WinnerJennifer Flores

Jennifer Flores works with Pre Kindergarten students in Northside ISD, where she is deeply committed to building strong foundations for curiosity and critical thinking at the very start of a child’s educational journey. In her classroom, learning is active and purposeful—she believes young children learn best by touching, testing, and discovering how things work together. Jennifer is especially passionate about helping her students develop confidence with problem solving, sequencing, and logical thinking through guided play.

Her passion inspired Stupendous STEM Activities, a Firstmark Foundation funded project that brought a rich collection of hands on STEM materials into her classroom. With the grant, Jennifer was able to add interactive science and engineering stations that help students explore motion, construction, cause and effect, and simple investigation skills. Children first engage with the materials in small groups with guidance, then independently during center time—building, testing ramps, creating paths, and observing how objects move. Each activity is carefully aligned with Texas Pre Kindergarten Guidelines, blending science, math, collaboration, and fine motor development into everyday learning.

The impact is felt in both skill growth and student excitement. As children document their discoveries through photos and videos shared with families, they gain pride in their learning and a stronger sense of confidence. These early STEM experiences help students see themselves as thinkers and creators, setting a powerful foundation for future learning while turning curiosity into joyful exploration.