The Assistance League of Huntington Beach (ALHB) remains a powerful partner in education, investing in creativity and hands-on learning across the Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) through its Links to Learning Program.

This year, 55 teachers and staff members received more than $27,000 in classroom grants designed to bring fresh ideas and transformative projects to life. Since the program’s inception, ALHB has contributed over $225,000 to HBCSD schools, supporting educators to turn inspiration into action and learning into exploration.

This year’s recipients are using their grants to enhance instruction in imaginative and meaningful ways. A few highlights include:

• Best Buddies Coffee Cart, a student-run program that fosters life skills and inclusion while teaching entrepreneurship at both middle schools.

• Principles of Space Travel through a rocketry project that combines math, science, and teamwork to simulate real-world engineering challenges.

• Fourth graders at Hawes Elementary are diving into history with Strike It Rich: Stop-Motion Claymation Videos of the California Gold Rush, using digital storytelling to bring the past to life.

• Several schools are enriching literacy through novel studies and books to support in-depth studies.

• Angelique Martinez at Smith Elementary is nurturing social-emotional growth with Art and Games Grow Minds and Hearts, blending play-based learning with creative expression.

Individual grants of up to $600 and group grants of up to $2,400 were awarded based on creativity, innovation, and impact on student learning.

During the reception honoring this year’s recipients, Dr. Cynthia Guerrero, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, emphasized the value of community partnership:

“These projects reflect what’s possible when educators and community organizations work together. The generosity of the Assistance League continues to open doors for our students, fostering curiosity and confidence in every classroom.”

Since its founding in 1950, the Assistance League of Huntington Beach has been a catalyst for positive change, funding programs that benefit children and families through its thrift shop, member donations, and community fundraising.