First Time is the Charm for Belle Glade Elementary Teacher’s Successful Grant Application
In the last half of 2021, McDonald's owner/operators in Florida and Georgia launched Golden Grants, an initiative that supports individuals, educators, programs and organizations serving students in grades K-12.
Up to $10,000 was made available for activities that benefit K-12 students. Twenty-seven Golden Grants were awarded based on creativity, innovation, need, and hands-on application of projects.
Tania Diaz, a third grade teacher at Belle Glade Elementary School, received one of the $10,000 grants. She will use the funds to support technology by providing each third grade classroom at the school with four laptops.
“I can't put into words how I feel about winning the grant. Ultimately, I feel honored but I am also ecstatic, surprised and beyond happy all in one,” Diaz said. “This is the first grant I've ever applied for and did not have high hopes of receiving it, but I thought ‘why not me?’ It reminds me to just have more faith in the possibilities of what I can accomplish as a teacher.”
With the grant, the students will be able to participate in fun technology-driven activities that will support their learning.
“I want all students to have a chance to work collaboratively on technology projects with their peers and see an increase in their enthusiasm for learning,” Diaz said. I want to see an overall growth from working with the technology and have that boost their confidence and self-esteem as a student. The possibilities are now endless thanks to this grant!”