KLEIN, TEXAS – Klein Cain High School has been awarded a $4,522 Educator Grant from the Klein ISD Education Foundation (KEF) for the “VR Development Headset” initiative, which will provide students with hands-on experience in virtual reality (VR) as part of their video game programming and design coursework.
In a surprise visit from the KEF Celebration Express, Klein Cain was honored with the grant alongside Foundation directors, community members, and Superintendent Dr. Jenny McGown.
Led by grant writer Douglas Gillory and sponsored by Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, Inc., the project will equip students with VR headsets and resources that bring emerging technology directly into the classroom. Students will use the Unity Game Engine to design and develop their own VR games, giving them real-world experience in areas such as game development, software engineering, and interactive media.
Over a 16-week period, students will work in teams to build fully functional VR game prototypes, strengthening their technical skills in coding and game design while also developing creativity, communication, and problem-solving abilities. The project will challenge students to troubleshoot complex issues, refine user experience, and collaborate effectively as they move from concept to final product.
Success will be measured by students’ ability to produce a complete VR game prototype that demonstrates their mastery of VR development principles, game mechanics, and user interaction. At the end of the project, students will present their games at a showcase event, where they will share their work, reflect on their learning, and gain experience presenting to an authentic audience.
“Through this grant, students at Klein Cain High School will explore virtual reality and game design, developing coding, problem-solving, and collaboration skills,” Klein ISD Education Foundation Director Christy Spisak said. “We’re proud that the Foundation can invest in innovative projects like this, giving students the tools to connect classroom learning with real-world technology experiences.”
By integrating VR into the curriculum, this grant will help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications, better preparing Klein Cain students for future careers in high-demand technology fields.
This fall, the KEF Celebration Express distributed grants totaling $62,057, enriching educational experiences for our learners. These grants encompass various innovative and engaging projects, from VR labs to STEM builders. The Fall 2025 grant recipients are innovative and serve as a source of inspiration.
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 and supports creative projects that enrich student learning and drive academic success.