Klein Oak High School awarded $4,820 from KEF for “STEM Education” Grant

KLEIN, TEXAS - Klein Oak High School has been awarded a $4,820 Educator Grant from the Klein ISD Education Foundation (KEF) for the "Klein Oak Innovators" initiative, designed to revolutionize STEM education through hands-on experiences in 3D printing and additive manufacturing, empowering students to bring their digital designs to life.

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. 

Led by grant writers Daniel Mackey, Vanessa Riley, and student Caden Martin, this grant is sponsored by KEF in partnership with Stantec. The Klein Oak Innovators project will provide students with access to six modern 3D printers from Bambu Labs. These easy-to-use, high-quality machines represent cutting-edge classroom technology, enabling students to transform their creative digital designs into physical prototypes. 

This initiative encourages students to fully engage with the engineering process—from digital design to hands-on fabrication—by offering tools and resources that allow them to manufacture, test, and refine their ideas. The grant is grounded in the belief that every student should have the opportunity to pursue their passions and turn inspiration into innovation.

By fostering problem-solving, practical engineering skills, and creativity, the Klein Oak Innovators project will cultivate a dynamic learning environment that not only enhances technical competencies but also prepares students for real-world applications in STEM fields.

“Innovation and Technology are two of our most valued learning goals these days. Students who possess these skills are ahead of their peers when they go out into the real world. The Klein ISD Education Foundation is proud to award this grant for Klein Oak’s students to lead the way,” KEF President Bill Lakin said. 

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.