Vanguard Gifted Academy Awarded 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grant, Celebrates completion of Intergenerational Community Space

Vanguard Gifted Academy is thrilled to announce that it has been selected to receive a 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant. This year, only 750 grantees were chosen from 5,100 applications from across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

With this quick-action grant, Vanguard Gifted Academy has officially installed a new Little Free Library and an ADA-approved bench designed to bring the Batavia neighborhood together. To celebrate the project's completion, Geneva Chamber of Commerce staff and ambassadors joined Vanguard Gifted Academy students for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 22.

The library's design integrates directly into the students' curriculum, featuring artwork that celebrates Illinois native animals alongside ocean creatures. Located directly across the street from the Heritage Woods assisted living facility, the new installation specifically welcomes residents to cross the street, pick up a new book, and connect with students and neighborhood families.

The addition of the ADA-approved bench ensures that every community member has a comfortable, accessible place to sit, read, and visit together. Envisioned as a welcoming rest stop for the entire community, the school has also included a dog treat container and a dog water bowl for neighborhood pets. This project will advance local efforts to make Batavia a place where people of all ages can thrive.

"We are incredibly proud that AARP selected Vanguard Gifted Academy for this investment to help make Batavia more livable for residents of all ages," stated Amy Trujillo, Head of School. "AARP is a national leader in supporting communities to become more livable, and we are honored they recognize the value and impact this project will bring to our area."

Vanguard Gifted Academy is a not-for-profit microschool providing kindergarten through fifth-grade gifted and twice-exceptional learners with hands-on learning that encourages innovative thinking. Enrollment is currently open for the academic year and is available on a rolling basis. The school welcomes community visitors and prospective families; tours can be scheduled ahead of time by contacting the main office.

About the AARP Community Challenge
The AARP Community Challenge grant program supports projects that improve public places, housing, transportation, digital connectivity, disaster resilience, and more. These grants are part of AARP's broader Livable Communities initiative, which helps neighborhoods, towns, cities, and counties across the country become great places for people of all ages. AARP believes communities should offer:

• Safe, walkable streets

• Affordable and accessible housing and transportation options

• Access to essential services

To explore all 750 projects funded this year - or to view an interactive map of current and past Community Challenge projects - visit AARP.org/CommunityChallenge. 

Learn more about AARP's nationwide Livable Communities work at AARP.org/Livable.