Local Educators Receiving Over $50,000 in MSGCU Classroom Cash Grants

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI – Nov. 9, 2026 – Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union is proud to announce its 2026 Classroom Cash Grants recipients. MSGCU is awarding over $50,000 to 70 educators from 57 schools in Southeast Michigan. More than $800,000 in grants have been awarded to schools since the program launched over 20 years ago.

Each grant recipient is receiving up to $750 to help implement innovative learning experiences that inspire students’ curiosity, critical thinking, and problem solving in the classroom. Teachers submitted creative project ideas that will enhance their curriculum in various subjects, including math, science, literacy, social and emotional learning, and physical education. As one of the many programs MSGCU delivers to support local communities, the Classroom Cash Grants initiative has funded nearly 1,400 unique projects since the program started.

“Giving back to educators through Classroom Cash Grants allows us to support students in the communities we serve and honor our educational heritage,” said Steve Brewer, MSGCU President/CEO. “Investing in local schools through grants ensures teachers have the tools they need to enhance the academic experience and bring innovative curriculum to life.”

Teachers use the grant funds to purchase the resources they need to support student engagement and success in the classroom. For example:

  • Alisa Meier, an art teacher at Liberty Middle School in Canton, will purchase artist grade watercolor paints, brushes, and watercolor paper. Students will learn and practice advanced watercolor techniques, including color mixing and creating visual effects. Their final art pieces will be displayed in the school’s art showcase.
  • Jaime Leslie, a teacher for the visually impaired, serves Macomb Intermediate School District Special Education in Clinton Township. She will purchase braille books and enrichment materials to ensure students have access to a variety of texts to enhance braille reading fluency and comprehension practice.
  • Mandy Kern, a science instructor at East Middle School in Farmington Hills, will purchase rocket kits for her students. At the end of their physics unit, students will engineer, design, and launch the rockets to see Newton’s Laws of Motion in action.

Classroom Cash Grants winners are determined based on total votes cast by MSGCU members and school communities, including teachers, parents, colleagues, family members, and friends. Nearly 90,000 votes were cast during the 11-day public online voting period this year.

Schools Receiving 2026 MSGCU Classroom Cash Grants:

Austin Catholic High School (Macomb)
Beacon Tree Elementary School (Macomb)
Beck Centennial Elementary School(Macomb)
Birmingham Adult Transition Program (Oakland)
Boulan Park Middle School (Oakland)
Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School (St. Clair)
Cromie Elementary School (Macomb)

The credit union also helps local teachers by providing free financial education through in-person and virtual classroom presentations, low-rate classroom loans, and the Milo Perreault Educator Advancement Scholarship for continuing education. For more information about the Classroom Cash Grants program and to view all of the grant recipients’ projects, visit classroomcash.org.



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