Skip To Main Content

Toggle Close Container

Utility Nav Mobile

Translate

Mobile Search

Mobile Icons Nav

Mobile Main Nav

Header Holder

Header Right Column

Utility Nav Desktop

Translate

Find it Fast

Close search popup

Desktop Search

Icons Nav

Toggle Menu Container

Sticky Header

Toggle Menu Container

horizontal-nav

Breadcrumb

KRESA Recognizes Educators with Targeted Assistance Grants

Six smiling adults pose in a classroom; one holds a framed grant certificate in front of a whiteboard.

KRESA is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Targeted Assistance Grants (TAG). This initiative, funded by the Kalamazoo RESA Foundation, supports non-certified staff members who have shown both the potential and the aspiration to grow their careers in education. This year, we are excited to support seven exceptional individuals who have demonstrated strong skill, integrity, and a commitment to earning certifications in Special Education or Early Childhood Education. 
 

Congratulations to the 2026 Awardees 

This year’s recipients embody the passion and dedication that define KRESA’s educational community. These individuals reflect the commitment, integrity, and purpose-driven mindset that move our mission forward, helping transform futures for the children and families we serve. 

  • Kianna Abbott, Job Coach, West Campus 

  • Jenna Carr, Deaf & Hard of Hearing Paraprofessional, Portage Angling Road Elementary 

  • Tonya Morton, Internal Substitute, Head Start/GSRP 

  • Lydia Willhite, Paraprofessional, WoodsEdge Learning Center 

  • Kaitlyn Davis, Paraprofessional, WoodsEdge Learning Center 

  • Kayla Fisher, Paraprofessional, WoodsEdge Learning Center 

  • Samantha Longenecker, Paraprofessional, Valley Center School 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2026 recipients of the Targeted Assistance Grants and look forward to the positive impact they will continue to make in their classrooms and beyond. 
 

About TAG 

TAG recipients can use the grant to offset a wide range of educational expenses, including tuition, books, childcare, and transportation. This comprehensive support helps ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of employees pursuing their educational goals. 

By investing in our staff, KRESA is strengthening not only individual career pathways, but also the learning environments and opportunities available to the children they serve. The grant is renewable, allowing recipients to receive continued support as they work toward their teaching certification.