Innovative Learning Grants 2026-27

The Mountain View Los Altos High School Foundation awarded over $100,000 toward Innovative Learning Grants for the 2026-27 school year.

The Innovative Learning Grants are awarded through a competitive application process, and grant recipients are required to submit a written evaluation of their project’s outcome within two weeks of the project’s completion. “These grants are intended to foster innovation while cultivating exciting new collaborations among students. The projects may also serve as pilot programs which, if successful, could become part of the curriculum in the future,” said Brigitte Sarraf, retired Assistant Superintendent of Education Services, who oversees the grant selection and evaluation process. Congratulations to the following grant recipients and projects approved in Phase 1 for the 2026-27 school year.

Awards were based on:

• scaling potential, such as incorporation into the curriculum, shared future use by others in the course team, and potential for replication across the district
• impact on student learning, such as enhancing depth of knowledge, applicability to addressing real-world problems, and  interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving
• effectiveness in challenging students to make connections and discover alternative problem-solving.

Alta Vista Grant Recipients and Projects

Round 1 approved May 2026

• Sarah Wallace, Matt Phillips: College Exploration

Los Altos High Grant Recipients and Projects

Round 1 approved May 2026

• Arantxa Arriada, AVID: Service Learning Project
• Connie Chen, Bernice Wei, Mandarin: The Mandarin Archive Library
• Ariel Rojas, Marie Hoerni, Performing Arts: Preserving Heritage and Enhancing Community Engagement through Folklorico Dance
• James Stillner, Biotechnology: Microchip Electrophoresis and Magnetic Proteins
• Jenny Dumas, Makenzie Gallego, Peer2Peer Counseling: Training

Mountain View High Grant Recipients and Projects

Round 1 approved May 2026

• Stephen Widmark: AP Physics C: X-ray Crystallography
• Brendan Dilloughery, Param Singh, Multivariable Calculus: Bringing Vector Calculus to Life