2025-26 Innovation Grant Recipients
Here are the recipients of the Innovation Grants for 2025-26, as announced during the college Opening Day program on Sept. 18, 2025. These grants are offered by the Foothill-De Anza Foundation, in concert with the De Anza College President’s Office.
Innovation Grants are designed to advance student equity, student retention or increased enrollment and to support colleagues by providing financial assistance to help fund new, entrepreneurial project ideas at De Anza College.
Auto Tech Professional Development
- Best practices for recruiting women students
- Training by National Institute for Women in Trades, Technology and Science
Submitted by Dave Capitolo, Chair, Automotive Technology
Cross Cultural Partners
- Promoting friendships, diversity and communication
- Partnering ESL students with non-ESL students
Submitted by Thomas Ray, Dean, Language Arts
International Studies Peace Mural
- Painting new mural outside Multicultural Center
- Collaboration with students and the nonprofit, “The You In Me”
Submitted by Veronica Keiffer-Lewis, Instructor, Humanities
Mental Health and Wellness Peer Support Partners
- Peer outreach to promote mental health
- Resources and support to raise awareness and reduce stigma
Submitted by Wil Firmender, Faculty Director, Mental Health and Wellness Center
Pride Scholars Program
- Support and incentives to increase LGBTQ+ student success
- Counseling, events and resources
Submitted by Jamie Pelusi, Faculty Coordinator, Pride Center
Red Wheelbarrow: Inmate Artists and Writers
- Paid editing internship for Rising Scholar student
- Support for publishing work by incarcerated poets, writers, artists
Submitted by Ken Weisner, Emeritus Instructor, English
Grow, Educate and Transform: Dual Enrollment
- Targeted outreach to high schools in key districts
- School visits, info nights, Bookstore vouchers
Submitted by Jayme Brown, Student Success Specialist, Outreach