Education Foundation Awards $27K In Grants To Central Bucks Schools

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Central Bucks Education Foundation has announced more than $27,000 in grants in support of innovative learning experiences across the school district.

"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, these grants are bringing new opportunities to students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, extending learning well beyond the traditional classroom," said foundation leaders.

This year’s funded projects span the student experience from art and music to robotics, AI, STEM research, media production, and sensory support.

At Central Bucks East High School, the foundation will support the purchase of darkroom enlargers and accessories that will give students the equipment they need for hands-on photography experiences.

“One of my favorite things about teaching photography is watching students experience the magic of the darkroom for the first time," said Brandi Daly, the photography and art instructor at East. "In a world where most images exist only on screens, there is something truly special about seeing a photograph slowly appear on paper under the safelight."

Daly said having a full set of matching enlargers will create a more consistent learning environment, allowing students to focus on mastering darkroom techniques and the creative process rather than navigating differences between equipment.

"Opportunities to learn traditional darkroom photography are becoming increasingly rare, and these new enlargers will help ensure that our students can continue to engage in this meaningful process, create beautiful silver gelatin prints, and gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and history of photography," said Daly. "I am grateful that they will have access to these experiences and excited to see the work they create this year."

Other projects supported by the foundation grants include:

• Art on the Move – All CBSD Middle Schools. Students at all five middle schools will experience a traveling art gallery designed to expand access to and engagement with the arts.
• Storytelling to Coding: Bringing AI to Elementary Animation. At Linden Elementary, students will explore coding and artificial intelligence through hands-on LEGO Education Computer Science & AI kits.
• 3D Modeling & Animation. At Central Bucks West, students will gain access to industrial-grade 3D fabrication through two new Bambu Lab P2S Combo 3D printers, integrating high-speed prototyping into the 3D Modeling and Animation curriculum.

• Butler TV Studio – At Butler Elementary, students will help create and produce their own school television programming, including school announcements and student-produced video segments.

• Storybook STEM. At Doyle Elementary, hands-on STEM challenges in the library will show students how stories can spark creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.
• Eagle Drumline Clinic. At Pine Run Elementary, students in the autistic support program will have the opportunity to participate in a musical experience designed specifically for their needs.
• STEM Research Equipment Lending Library. At CB South, students will have access to scientific equipment they can use for research projects and competitions — removing a barrier to hands-on scientific exploration.

• CB STEM Year 2 Mission. At all high schools, this expanded initiative includes robotics masterclasses, career-building events with professional judges, a structured internship cohort, and an ongoing partnership with the Bucks IU CAD/Engineering/Robotics lab.
• Sensory & Emotional Support Rooms. At Holicong, Tamanend and Central Bucks East, funding will support the development and expansion of sensory and emotional support spaces designed to help students regulate, recharge, and succeed at school.

(Photos by Jeff Werner/Patch)

"This is what community support looks like," said the foundation. "Every grant represents a teacher with an idea, students who will benefit from i es should be available to Central Bucks students.

"We are grateful to the families, businesses, and community members who make these opportunities possible.
Thank you for investing in our students and helping us bring more ideas to life in our schools."

Learn more, support a grant, or become a CBEF donor by visiting cbeducationfoundation.org.