The Rancho Cucamonga Community & Arts Foundation (RCCAAF) continues to support creativity through its Arts Organization/Community Arts Grant Program. Dedicated to expanding access to arts and cultural experiences throughout Rancho Cucamonga, the program supports local non-profits, public schools, and artists in bringing inspiring arts education, performances, exhibits, and community-centered projects to residents. As the 2025–2026 grant cycle comes to a close, RCCAAF is proud to celebrate the impact of its grantees and the meaningful ways they are enriching our community through the arts.
One standout program this year was a bi-weekly lunchtime enrichment program developed by the Grapeland Elementary PTA. Designed for students in grades K–5, the program uses art as a creative gateway to explore science, technology, engineering, and math concepts through engaging, hands-on experiences. From symmetry painting and chromatography art to kinetic sculptures and design challenges, students discovered how creativity and innovation work hand in hand. The program was created with several important goals in mind:
- Inspiring early curiosity in STEAM through artistic exploration
- Creating inclusive learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom
- Building confidence in science and math through creativity
- Establishing a sustainable enrichment model for future students
Throughout the school year, students participated in themed lunchtime activities that celebrated creativity, culture, and discovery:
- Veterans Day Lunch Activity: Students designed and balanced eagle sculptures while exploring symmetry, balance, and structure.
- Hispanic Heritage Month Lunch Activity: Students created maracas while learning about cultural traditions and the science of sound.
- Lunar New Year Lunch Activity: Students completed horse scratch-art projects inspired by cultural symbolism and storytelling traditions.
- Kindness Week Lunch Activity: Students engineered and constructed 3D pop-up cards to integrate design and creativity.
- Black History Month Lunch Activity: Students designed and tested hoop gliders while highlighting African American pioneers in space and aviation.
Programs like STEAMin’ Into Art demonstrate the powerful role arts education plays in fostering creativity, critical thinking, cultural appreciation, and student engagement while making learning fun and accessible for every child. We congratulate Grapeland Elementary PTA on reaching 400-plus students through this amazing program.To learn more about Grapeland Elementary PTA, visit them at: grp.etiwanda.org
