Jordan jazz, South Durham school projects share in $102,419 in grants

South Durham Child Care & School Break Guide

Find child care, preschool, after-school programs, and school-break options for families in and around South Durham.

Southpoint AccessWes Platt

Jordan High School’s young jazz musicians will perform alongside touring professionals, and several South Durham schools will expand opportunities in science, student leadership, and wellness, through a Durham Public Schools Foundation grant cycle totaling $102,419.

Its 2026-27 Innovation Grants will support 19 projects benefiting 26 schools across the district, with ideas developed by educators, students, families, and school staff.

“Durham’s educators and students have the vision and creativity to transform what’s possible in our public schools. Our responsibility is to ensure they have the resources and support to bring those ideas to life,” James Perry, the foundation’s executive director, said in the release.

For South Durham families, the full recipient list includes several familiar schools:

• Jordan High School, Jazz Legacy Project: $5,000. A jazz residency will connect student musicians with professional performers and involve 13 DPS schools.
• Jordan High School, Empowering Futures Innovation Hub: $6,500. A space for students with disabilities will support career exploration and independent living skills.
• Jordan High School, You Belong at Jordan: $6,500. Student-led activities will build connections, inclusion, and peer support.
• Githens Middle School, L.E.A.F.S. in STEM: $7,000. An after-school program will explore science and technology through cooking, medicine, robotics, and coding.
• Southwest Elementary School, Make It a Beautiful Day in Our Neighborhood: $8,000. Students will improve their campus with beautification projects, multilingual welcome installations, and outdoor learning spaces.
• Hope Valley and Southwest elementary schools, Weighted Neurosensory Kits: $1,050. The shared project will provide sensory tools and training for students, educators, and caregivers.

Jordan’s Jazz Combo will take part in a two-day creative residency at the Carolina Theatre of Durham on Feb. 22-23, 2027. The project includes a free public concert and showcase performances, giving students opportunities to work with professional artists and explore music beyond the classroom.

Other awards highlighted in the release include:

• Lakeview School: $8,000 to turn a former greenhouse site into a science, technology, engineering, and math learning pavilion and innovation lab. Students will help design and build the space while exploring water conservation, sustainable food production, and environmental monitoring.
• Lucas Middle School: $10,000 for an outdoor classroom and gathering space. About 100 students will help transform the courtyard, with a student leadership team guiding research, design decisions, and planning.
• Durham School of Technology: $6,000 for a student-run media, technology, and innovation studio. Students will use robotics kits, drones, 3D printers, and other tools, working with industry professionals and developing products whose proceeds will support the program.
• J.D. Clement Early College: $6,000 for mental health education, staff training, and a student wellness space. The project aims to help students recognize when peers need support and connect them with trusted adults.

The foundation received 99 applications representing 51 of the district’s 57 schools. Applicants sought more than $759,000, according to the foundation’s online announcement, far more than the amount awarded.

A 31-member committee reviewed the applications, including foundation staff, previous grant recipients, caregivers, DPS staff, and other Durham residents. Reviewers prioritized projects with potential for measurable results, substantial impact, and long-term sustainability, a news release stated.

Recipients also will join a peer group and receive ongoing support, resources, and connections from the foundation.

“Through these grants, our school communities have additional resources to turn their ideas into meaningful learning experiences,” DPS Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis said in the release.

The Durham Public Schools Foundation is an independent nonprofit that works with the district and community partners. Founded in 2018, it says it has awarded more than $1.8 million in grants supporting projects across DPS.

Get Connected

• Send email to ⁠⁠⁠your neighborhood news guy: wes.platt@southpointaccess.news
• Follow on ⁠⁠⁠Threads.
• Connect on Instagram!
• Join ⁠⁠⁠our Discord community⁠⁠⁠
• Join the Southpoint Access subreddit!

Southpoint Access Events Calendar

From Durham County Library programs and family activities to special events at local businesses and key public meetings like the City Council, County Commission, and Planning Board, our calendar brings it all together in one easy-to-use resource.

Southpoint AccessWes Platt

🤝 Support Our Sponsors

Local journalism in South Durham survives thanks to the generous businesses and organizations that make this work possible. 🧭

By supporting these sponsors, you’re helping Southpoint Access continue to deliver trusted, hyperlocal news and resources for our community - from school updates to neighborhood stories that keep South Durham connected.

Want to become a sponsor? Sign up here!

💛 Shop local. Hire local. Support those who support Southpoint Access.