Since 1932, Firstmark has been a passionate champion of the education community. Education is ingrained in our roots, our membership, and our commitment to our communities. We were chartered as the San Antonio Teachers Credit Union by and for school employees 90 years ago.
Because our school employees make many personal sacrifices and investments in their scholars’ needs, it is our privilege to offer Firstmark Education Grants to eligible members. For the 2022-2023 school year, Firstmark distributed $20,000 among 20 grant recipients across twelve school districts.
Firstmark Foundation Awards $20,000 in 2022-2023
The Firstmark Foundation is pleased to announce the 20 recipients of the 2022-2023 Educator Grant Program. Education Grants are available for full-time, K-12 educators and support staff. Grants are awarded to fund innovative project ideas, including the materials necessary to successfully carry out the project. To date, Firstmark Credit Union has awarded over $85,000 to support Education Grants.
Education Grant Winners – 2022-2023
CAST Tech HS, SAISD | Ramon Martinez | Project Idea: Physical Education Equipment
East Central ISD| Maureen Doebbler | Project Idea: Sculpture Service Projects
Edgewood ISD | Melissa Covarrubia | Project Idea: International Day of Women
Harlandale ISD | Peggy Trejo | Project Idea : Collier Eagle New Team
Harmony Public Schools | Chanel Ashley-Jones | Project Idea: Project Bench
La Vernia ISD | Shirley Tucker | Project Idea: Smart Pens for Smart Readers
Marion ISD | April Shelnutt | Project Idea: Operation Academic Enrichment
North East ISD | Karen Wilcox | Project Idea: Keeping the Beats and Hearts
North East ISD | Haley Crownover | Project Idea: Accessible Playground Equipment
Northside ISD | Adrianna Martinez | Project Idea: Look it Up!
Northside ISD | Rosemary Lara | Project Idea: Constructing, Connecting, and Lighting Through STEM
Northside ISD | Carey McCarthy | Project Idea: Picture Perfect
Northside ISD | Brooke Taliman | Project Idea: Coding and Robotics Galore
Northside ISD | Briana Garcia | Project Idea: ALE Sweet Treat Cart
San Antonio Preparatory School | Samantha Gillespie | Project Idea: Panther Spotting
Southside ISD | Tonya Bartlett | Project Idea: Books for Reluctant Readers
Southwest ISD | Cynthia Cuellar | Project Idea: Growing with Sustainability
Southwest ISD | Portia Matthews | Project Idea: Coach’s Compost Companeros
Southwest ISD | Susan Galvez | Project Idea: My Money don’t Jiggle
Southwest ISD | Nicole McCluskey | Project Idea: Grow for Change
The application process for an Education Grant is open each year beginning September 1st. To qualify, you must hold a position in education where you interact with students directly (i.e., classroom teacher, librarian, counselor, child nutrition staff, custodial staff, campus social worker, transportation staff).
You must be a member of Firstmark Credit Union to be eligible for an Education Grant.
Not a member, yet? We invite you to join Firstmark today!
If selected, a Grant Agreement Form will need to be signed.
2021-2022 Education Grant Winners
East Central ISD | Josephine Martinez – Project Idea: Cool as Heck — with My Playaway ’round the Neck
Edgewood ISD | David Walker – Project Idea: Flexible seating
Judson ISD | Monica Cortez – Project Idea: Let’s Bring the Learning Outdoors
North East ISD | Michelle Waters – Project Idea: Simply Reading
Northside ISD | Carey McCarthy – Project Idea: Breaking News
Northside ISD | Dillon Gatian – Project Idea: Living History
Northside ISD | Erica Huerta – Project Idea: Building Leaders in Readers
Northside ISD | John M. Kliewer – Project: Homebound Haptics
Northside ISD | Juanita Tucker – Project Idea: SEL Peace Corner in all classrooms and public student areas
Northside ISD | Lauren Sanchez – Project Idea: Sensory Exploration Learning
Northside ISD | Michael Byrnes – Project Idea: Free Desk Project
Northside ISD | Rebecca Folds – Project Idea: Social and Emotional Learning
San Antonio ISD | Marcella Gutierrez – Project Idea: Steamy Hot Glass
South Side ISD | Tonya Bartlett – Project Idea: High Interest/Low Level Class Library
Southwest ISD | Cynthia Cuellar – Project Idea: Little Seeds Of Hope
All applications will be reviewed by the Firstmark Education Grant Committee. If selected to receive a Firstmark Education Grant of $1,000, the recipient will commit to using the funds for the proposed project. Further, the recipient understands that if selected, a Firstmark representative will coordinate a date and time for the grant presentation (which includes photography). The recipient acknowledges and agrees to the use of my name, photos, and project ideas by Firstmark Credit Union and its affiliate Foundation for the purposes of website, newsletter, social media, and other marketing channels in recognition of this award and the ongoing member-supported work of the Foundation.
NOTE: A total of 20 grants will be awarded over the 2022-2023 school year. Grant recipients from previous school years are eligible to apply. You may only receive one grant during the school year.