Fox Elementary Awarded $24,930 for ‘Knowledge in a Vending Machine’ Lead the Park Grant

KLEIN, TEXAS – Fox Elementary School has been awarded a $24,930 Lead The Spark Klein ISD Education Foundation (KEF) grant for the "Knowledge in a Vending Machine: Fueling Curiosity with Books and STEM" initiative.

In a surprise visit from the KEF Celebration Express, the school was honored with the grant alongside Foundation directors, community members, and Superintendent Dr. Jenny McGown. The Celebration Express bus brought excitement and recognition as Fox Elementary was honored as one of this year's deserving recipients of the grants.

Led by grant writer Lakita Combs and sponsored by the Klein Education Foundation in partnership with Campus Kids LLC, the project provides students with tokens for meeting academic goals, which can then be exchanged for a book or a STEM learning kit from a customized vending machine. This innovative initiative blends academic achievement with tangible rewards, encouraging students to develop a passion for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

The program, open to all PK-5 students, will be led by teachers, specialists, counselors, and administrators to boost engagement and motivation, particularly for students who benefit from added encouragement. Success will be measured by academic progress and increased enthusiasm for reading and STEM

“When students are excited about learning, anything is possible. This project taps into that excitement by turning achievement into opportunity—putting books and hands-on STEM experiences directly into the hands of young learners,” Director of Community Relations and Education Foundation Christy Spisak said. “We’re proud to support an initiative that rewards hard work, builds curiosity, and helps students see that learning can be both meaningful and fun.”

This spring, the KEF Celebration Express distributed grants totaling $92,569 to support various innovative and impactful educational initiatives. From 3D printers to yearbook club essentials, this year’s recipients exemplify the power of creativity in education.
We sincerely thank all our sponsors for making these initiatives possible, enhancing the educational experience, and fostering the growth of Klein ISD students.

The Klein ISD Education Foundation accepts grant applications biannually. It supports creative projects that enrich student learning and drive academic success.