Empowering Students: How a THF Grant is Enhancing Life Skills at Grundy Elementary School

At Grundy Elementary School in Morton, Illinois, educators Cassidy Johnson and Angel Fisher are finding new ways to engage their students with special needs through hands-on learning. Thanks to a recent grant from The Hambrick Foundation, the school will be adding a popcorn machine to its programming—an unconventional but impactful tool for teaching essential life and job skills.

This initiative goes far beyond offering a snack. The popcorn machine will serve as a platform for students to build skills in math, organization, communication, and food handling. Students will work alongside staff, including speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and social workers, to practice real-world tasks in a familiar and supportive environment.

Through preparing and serving popcorn, students will gain experience in functional communication, social interactions, gross and fine motor development, and job-related routines. These opportunities help reinforce classroom learning with practical application, allowing students to grow in confidence and independence.

The project is designed to be sustainable. While the grant covers the initial setup, the school’s Parent Teacher Organization has committed to supporting ongoing supply needs. This ensures the popcorn shop will remain a long-term resource for students with a variety of needs, including autism, intellectual disabilities, emotional disorders, and learning delays.

We are proud to support Grundy Elementary in providing meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for life beyond the classroom.