The winners of the 2024-25 Foundation for New Education Initiatives (FNEI) Mini-Grant Award were announced in August 2025. FNEI, a direct-support organization for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, sponsors this competitive Mini-Grant program for all Pre-K through grade 12 schools, including alternative schools, primary learning centers, and specialized centers.

Each submitted project is required to promote innovative educational activities and uphold high academic achievement standards. 

The proposed projects are designed to impact students in various ways—whether through individual classroom activities, school-wide programs, or broader District initiatives. Additionally, they may include enrichment programs before or after school. 

The winning schools have already begun implementing their projects, all of which are dedicated to enhancing student learning. Several of these schools have shared updates on their progress, showcasing the positive impact of these initiatives. 

Kenwood K-8 Center

Kenwood K-8 Center’s “Kenwood CODE 2.0 (Cougars Operating Devices Effectively) Project” expands its existing technology education initiative by integrating robotics, mathematics, and science through hands-on learning for middle school students. The project aims to enhance students’ problem-solving skills and technological engagement. 

With increased student performance and interest in coding, the program has already shown promising results. Computer Science elective students continue developing coding skills by programming and operating robotic devices. A highlight of the project is the planned “Kenwood Robot Day 2.0” in June 2025, featuring competitive robotic events. 

“Our students completed their pre-assessments and are actively engaged in learning the coding and related skills to proceed with constructing, programming, and operating their teams’ robots,” said Gabriel P. Quintero, Assistant Principal at Kenwood K-8 Center. 

Hammocks Middle School

Hammocks Middle School’s Apple Coding Magnet program is leveraging the mini-grant to support an innovative technology field trip to Universal Studios’ Kong Island. The project provides students with hands-on coding and technological learning experiences. 

With 18 chaperones and growing student enthusiasm, the program has already increased enrollment and demonstrated improved mathematical and computational thinking skills. 

Students will attend a Kongtrol lecture and explore coding applications, bridging classroom learning with real-world technological insights. The February field trip represents a key opportunity for students to engage with advanced STEM concepts in an immersive learning environment.

Miami Central Senior High School 

Miami Central Senior High School transformed its physics education by purchasing new equipment with mini-grant funds. New Universal Serial Bus (USB) enabled cars and precision plastic tracks now allow students to conduct more accurate scientific experiments, providing real-time data visualization through SMART Board technology.

The modern equipment has increased student engagement, improved experimental precision, and inspired a deeper understanding of physics principles by creating a more professional, interactive learning environment.

“The impact of this grant-funded transformation is evident in the enthusiasm, participation, and academic growth of our students, paving the way for a future generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators,” said Arthur D. Diamond, Science Department Chairman at Miami Central Senior High School.

Comstock Elementary School

Comstock Elementary School’s innovative project transforms student learning through an interdisciplinary approach combining gardening, technology, and entrepreneurship. The initiative establishes an edible garden that integrates science, nutrition, mathematics, and art into a hands-on learning experience. 

Students will engage directly with nutrition by growing and harvesting fruits and vegetables while exploring technological skills through graphic design and entrepreneurial concepts. The project includes using a DTF printer for fundraising to sustain the garden’s long-term maintenance. 

“The students are thrilled to take part in the gardening activities, and their excitement is evident as they eagerly use their small tools and put on their gardening gloves, ready to engage in a meaningful project,” said Tanisha N. Charles, Art Teacher at Comstock Elementary.

Dr. Frederica S. Wilson/Skyway Elementary

Dr. Frederica S. Wilson/Skyway Elementary is launching the G.I.R.L.S. (Giving Individuals Rigorous Lessons in STEM) program, targeting first and second-grade girls to address the significant underrepresentation of women in STEM fields. With science scores fluctuating between 29% and 46% from 2019 to 2022, the program aims to spark early interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 

The initiative will provide hands-on learning experiences, including VexGo Robotics training, preparing students to compete in the Spring 2025 competition. 

“According to the US Census, women are still vastly underrepresented in the STEM workforce. The G.I.R.L.S. program is ensuring that more enrichment programs are beneficial to students (especially girls) in low-income (Title I) schools like ours,” said Tiffany C. James, Principal at Dr. Frederica S. Wilson/ Skyway Elementary.

Aventura Waters K-8 Center

Aventura Waterways K-8 Center implemented an innovative educational initiative using interactive learning platforms like Quizizz and AI technologies. Supporting their diverse student population of 61% minority and 53% economically disadvantaged learners, the school transformed traditional classroom experiences by enabling students to answer 187,000 educational questions and develop personalized learning resources. 

The project created a more inclusive learning environment that addresses language barriers and attention difficulties. Students experienced increased engagement, with the interactive approach supporting critical thinking and reducing test anxiety. Teachers benefited from real-time data tracking and personalized instructional tools, leading to greater student participation and enthusiasm.

Treasure Island Elementary School

Treasure Island Elementary School’s “Harmony in Motion” is an innovative after-school program for 4th and 5th-grade students, integrating performing arts with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) disciplines. 

“We are currently in the preliminary stages, having recently completed student auditions and identified the participants for the program,” said Lourdes Dorvilus, Treasure Island Elementary Counselor. 

The project blends artistic expression with interdisciplinary learning, focusing on dance, music, and acting while exploring science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Students will develop creativity, critical thinking, and collaborative skills through interactive workshops and performances.