Local Teachers Receive Funding for Hands-On Water Education Projects by Rowland Water District Nov 13, 2025 Member Submitted News Rowland Water District (RWD) has awarded over $18,000 in classroom grants through its annual Splash Cash program, supporting a new round of teacher-led projects that connect students to the science, sustainability, and everyday importance of water. This year’s grants will fund projects across five local schools with activities ranging from outdoor science camps and sustainable gardens to watershed studies and mobile aquarium programs. Each project helps students see how water influences the environment, their community, and their own daily lives. “Teachers are the best innovators finding new ways to make water education meaningful,” said Brittnie Gildea, Rowland Water District Marketing and Social Media Coordinator. “Their creativity gives students a stronger sense of connection to the world around them and builds lasting awareness about the role water plays in the vitality of our region.” 2025-26 Splash Cash recipients include: Rowland Elementary School Amanda Garrett, RowEL 6th Grade — $1,800 Veronica Armas, 6th Grade Splash Cash Proposal — $1,740 Blandford Elementary School Ana Ruiz Dinkins, Water, Animals and Me: From Learners to… — $2,000 Suzanne Wong, Water Conservation (Science Camp) — $1,500 Jellick Elementary School Gilbert Navarro, Aquarium on Wheels: The Aquarium of the Pacific — $1,500 Missy Velasco, Growing Together: An Inclusive & Sustainable Garden — $2,000 Nancy Buck, Jellick Jaguar Sixth Graders in the Forest — $3,000 (Group Award) Northam Elementary School April Minette-Galindo, Water Wonders at Outdoor Science Camp — $1,500 Santana High School Candace Leuthold, Growing More with Less: Comparing Hydroponic Systems — $1,500 Candace Leuthold, Where Water Goes: Watershed Flow, Trash Impact — $1,500 The Splash Cash program provides funding directly to educators for hands-on learning experiences that strengthen water literacy and environmental understanding. Applications are open to all K–12 teachers within RWD’s service area. Splash Cash is one of several education initiatives offered by RWD, including student art contests, scholarships, Mini Solar Challenge, and classroom presentations. These programs are a large part of RWD’s commitment to caring for their neighbors, reinforcing its dedication to advancing knowledge, stewardship, and community connection through education. Over the past several years, the Splash Cash program has provided more than $40,000 in grants, supporting hundreds of students across local schools. The program continues to grow each year, expanding opportunities for hands-on learning and reinforcing RWD’s long-term investment in local education and water awareness.
