Date: March 2026

School: Notus Jr. Sr. High

Wish Delivered: Life Science Equipment

Teacher Sherril Skelton says "Our school is within a high-poverty community where access to STEM and wellness experiences is extremely limited. Unfortunately, our current science equipment and instructional resources are outdated or non-existent. This wishlist grant will provide essential laboratory tools including microscopes, lab equipment, models, specimens, student materials, lab furniture, and storage allowing students to participate in meaningful, hands-on investigations rather than textbook-only learning. Additionally, physical education equipment will support lifetime fitness skills, health monitoring, teamwork, and student engagement. These resources will significantly increase hands-on learning, improve scientific understanding, and expand equitable access to high-quality instruction for students who may otherwise have little exposure to STEM or structured physical wellness opportunities."

Wish Amount: $7,172

Date: March 2026

School: Lakes Middle School

Wish Delivered: Woodworking Shop Supplies

Teacher Aaron Fox says "Our middle school woodshop program provides hands-on learning experiences that teach students craftsmanship, problem-solving, and pride in creating something tangible. Adding wood lathes to our shop will dramatically expand our students’ skills and creativity. Currently, our students are limited to flat and linear woodworking projects. Lathes will allow them to safely explore turning wood—making bowls, pens, handles, and other round forms that require precision, patience, and artistry. This equipment will introduce new STEM connections, support cross-curricular design challenges, and inspire students to think like engineers and artists. It will also prepare them for high school programs and future trades by developing hand-eye coordination, measurement accuracy, and tool safety awareness. The lathes will serve multiple grade levels and hundreds of students each year. They will bring new excitement to our program and give every student—regardless of background—the chance to experience pride and accomplishment through craftsmanship."

Wish Amount: $9,462

Date: March 2026

School: Lakes Middle School

Wish Delivered: Woodworking Shop Supplies

Teacher Aaron Fox says "Our middle school woodshop program provides hands-on learning experiences that teach students craftsmanship, problem-solving, and pride in creating something tangible. Adding wood lathes to our shop will dramatically expand our students’ skills and creativity. Currently, our students are limited to flat and linear woodworking projects. Lathes will allow them to safely explore turning wood—making bowls, pens, handles, and other round forms that require precision, patience, and artistry. This equipment will introduce new STEM connections, support cross-curricular design challenges, and inspire students to think like engineers and artists. It will also prepare them for high school programs and future trades by developing hand-eye coordination, measurement accuracy, and tool safety awareness. The lathes will serve multiple grade levels and hundreds of students each year. They will bring new excitement to our program and give every student—regardless of background—the chance to experience pride and accomplishment through craftsmanship."

Wish Amount: $9,462

Date: March 2026

School: Forrest Bird Charter

Wish Delivered: Flight simulator

Teacher Kevin Kless says "This flight simulator equipment will establish a state-of-the-art laboratory to advance STEM education and workforce development in aviation at our Idaho high school, preparing students for high-demand careers as pilots, air traffic controllers, and UAV operators amid a national pilot shortage projected to require 17,000 new entrants annually. By integrating hands-on flight simulation with the Idaho National Laboratory's (INL) K-12 STEM initiatives—which have awarded nearly $5 million to align education with Idaho's energy and tech sectors—this program will foster critical thinking, teamwork, and real-world skills for underrepresented and rural students. Our school will leverage the equipment for the 2026 GAMA Aviation Design Challenge, a national competition for high school teams using X-Plane software to design and virtually test aircraft, earning complimentary curricula and prizes like industry tours and STEM labs to inspire participants. Additionally, we plan to host inter-school competitions with partners like Civil Air Patrol and EAA, promoting community engagement and Idaho's aerospace innovation hub."

Wish Amount: $8,68