Education Grant WinnerLeslie Soria

Science is an exploratory area for students where discovery meets creativity, innovation meets critical thinking, and the unknown becomes reality. It can also develop great collaboration skills surrounding problem-solving promotion, spatial awareness, and environmental appreciation.

Leslie Soria, educator at Cardenas Early Childhood Center, wanted to provide her pre-school students the opportunity to travel into the world of science and help spur imagination through their experience. Thanks to Power of the Dollar^® members, she was awarded a $1,000 grant in December 2023 for her “Science Center” idea, which she then used to purchase all-things science from magnifying glasses to microscopes, to nature materials, sensory items, and so much more.

“My inspiration was to integrate a nice experience for the young learners, having them more engaged and motivated with the manipulatives they could use,” said Soria. “It’s also helping them learn through different languages as well.”

Joyfully rummaging through the supplies Ms. Soria was able to contribute to her classroom, all her of students are incredibly involved and participate whenever they get the chance to do so. There are several schools who do not have the resources they need to make memorable experiences for their educators and students, but for Ms. Soria’s classroom, the supplies were welcome additions and will create that long-lasting impact.

“They are very engaged,” she said. “Especially at the tables they’re using all these different types of words in their bilingual communication on things. It’s always something new for them and memories they’re going to keep along the way!”