Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Leap and Learn Academy
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: PO Box 3075
City: Kingshill
State: Virgin Islands
Postal Code: 00851
Main Phone: 3405140881
Main Fax:
Organization Website: Www.lalastx.com
Employer ID Number: 66-0883724
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/20/2026
Requested Amount: $9850

Project Title: Little Island STEM Explorers
Project Description:

Little Island STEM Explorers is an early childhood STEM enrichment program serving 42 children ages 1–6 at Leap and Learn Academy in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. In a small island community where enrichment resources are limited, this initiative will transform a classroom space into a vibrant hub of discovery where young children experiment, build, test, and explore.

Imagine toddlers investigating how water flows through channels, preschoolers designing simple structures that must stand against a fan’s “wind,” and five-year-olds guiding beginner robots across coding mats. Through weekly structured STEM sessions, children will engage in hands-on engineering challenges, sensory-based science exploration, early robotics, and collaborative problem-solving activities designed specifically for early learners.

Many of the families we serve face economic and geographic barriers that limit access to specialized STEM programs commonly available in larger metropolitan areas. Little Island STEM Explorers will provide equitable access to high-quality early innovation experiences during the most critical years of brain development, when curiosity is natural and foundational skills are formed.

Grant funds will support the purchase of developmentally appropriate STEM equipment, beginner robotics tools, science exploration stations, classroom materials, and professional development for teachers to ensure consistent implementation. Over the one-year grant period, 100% of enrolled students will participate in weekly STEM experiences. Student growth will be measured through observational assessments documenting increased problem-solving abilities, STEM vocabulary, persistence, and cooperative engagement. Two family STEM engagement events will extend exploration beyond the classroom.

Little Island STEM Explorers will ignite curiosity early, strengthen foundational skills, and expand opportunity for young learners in our island community.

Total Project Budget: $10850

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Hermanowski Foundation $9,850 (requested); Leap and Learn Academy $1,000 in-kind support.

Project Duration: November 2026-November 2027
Geographical Area Served: St. Croix, Virgin Islands
Age Group To Be Served: 1-6

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Mackisha
Contact Last Name: Jagrup St Prix
Contact Title: Director
Contact Phone: 3405140881
Contact Email: leapandlearnacademy@outlook.com