Program Overview
The Sensory Classroom Support Initiative is a community-driven grant program created to help teachers build more inclusive, sensory-friendly learning environments for students in Yuma County.
Through community nominations and voting, educators will be selected to receive classroom funding to purchase sensory tools and adaptive classroom supports such as seating options, calming resources, fidgets, visual supports, and other classroom-based sensory needs.
This initiative is designed to strengthen classrooms, support teachers, and ensure students of all abilities have access to environments where they can learn, regulate, and thrive.
Grant Awards
1st Place (1 Winner)
2nd Place (1 Winner)
3rd Place (1 winner)
Runner Up (6 Winners)
Eligibility Requirements
Who Our Grant Serves
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a certified teacher
- Teach in a public or charter school*
- Be located in Yuma County
- *At this time, we are not taking submissions or considering applicants affiliated with micro-schools, homeschool programs, or private non-accredited programs
Important Dates
Nominations Open
June 1, 2026 – June 7, 2026
Review Period
June 8, 2026 – June 14, 2026
Voting Period
June 15, 2026 – June 26, 2026
Winners Notified
NLT July 8, 2026
Winner Response
Agreement and sensory item wish list must be received by July 15, 2026
Delivery of Items
Mid-Late July
The Process
How It Works
1. Nomination Phase (June 1, 2026 – June 7, 2026)
Teachers are nominated by peers, parents, staff, or community members on this website using the form available on this page. Nominations should include info about classroom size, classroom need, impact, and alignment with program goals.
Following the nomination period, all eligible submissions will be reviewed by Strong Beginnings Project. Nominations will be evaluated based on classroom sensory needs, student impact, and completeness of submission materials.
2. Review Phase (June 8, 2026 – June 14, 2026)
All nominations are reviewed for eligibility and compliance with program requirements.
A total of fifteen (15) finalist classrooms will be selected to advance to the community voting phase based on a standardized scoring rubric.
3. Community Voting
Finalists will be posted here on the official website for public voting.
All voting must occur here on:
https://strongbeginnings.org/
using the form on this website page.
*Each person may vote one (1) time per day per valid email address during the voting period. Additional votes submitted beyond this limit will not be counted. Voting is only valid when submitted through the official Strong Beginnings Project website.
4. Winners Announced
Winners are selected based on vote totals and awarded grant funding for classroom sensory supports.
5. Classroom Sensory Wishlist Submission & Delivery
After winners are announced, selected teachers will submit a classroom sensory wishlist to The Strong Beginnings Project for review and purchase. Requested items must align with the awarded funding amount and meet the program criteria for sensory, adaptive, or special needs classroom support items. Approved items will be purchased by The Strong Beginnings Project and delivered to classrooms in July 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
How often can I vote?
Each person may vote one (1) time per day per valid email address during the voting period. Additional votes submitted beyond this limit will not be counted.
Voting is only valid when submitted through the official Strong Beginnings Project website: https://strongbeginnings.org/
What can the grant funds be used for?
Funds must be used for classroom-based sensory and adaptive materials such as seating tools, sensory bins, calming items, lighting supports, and other approved classroom resources.
Can I apply for my own classroom?
Yes, teachers may be nominated or self-nominated if eligible. Limit of 1 vote per person per day.
Who can vote?
Voting is open to the public through the official Strong Beginnings Project website.
How will funds be distributed?
Each awarded classroom will submit an itemized list of approved sensory and classroom support items (up to their awarded grant amount).
Strong Beginnings Project will purchase the approved items directly from vendors such as Amazon or other approved retailers.
Once purchased, items will be coordinated for pickup or delivery to the teacher’s school site.
Can schools or administrators apply?
No. This initiative is designed specifically for individual classroom teachers.
How are winners selected?
Finalists are chosen through eligibility screening and then awarded based on community voting totals.