FRIENDSWOOD — The Friendswood Independent School District Education Foundation has awarded two major grants aimed at expanding hands-on learning opportunities and student support programs across the district.

The Legacy Grants, announced Monday, fund large-scale projects designed to create long-term benefits for students and campuses. Each project receives at least $7,500 in support.

One of this year’s grants will help launch “Bloom & Bites,” a new initiative at Friendswood High School that combines the school’s floral design and culinary arts programs.

Funding from the grant will be used to purchase a shared-use vehicle, allowing students to transport floral arrangements, catered meals and other student-produced items for school events, district functions and community partnerships.

District leaders say the addition will give students practical experience in customer service, hospitality, logistics and entrepreneurship, while also helping expand student-run services such as catering and the campus coffee bar.

The second grant supports “From Paws to Purpose: The Mr. Graham CommUNITY Initiative,” which will fund the professional training of a future facility dog that will serve students across the district.

According to the foundation, the dog will be trained to provide emotional support and help students feel more connected and engaged in the school environment.

Students at the district’s Transition Center will take part in the dog’s care and campus visits, while those in the high school’s career and technical education veterinary medicine program will assist with structured animal care routines.

Foundation leaders say the initiative is designed to promote inclusion, teamwork and disability awareness while giving students real-world leadership and communication experience.

This year’s Legacy Grant SurPrize Patrol was sponsored by The Handy Family and The Maetzold Family.

The Education Foundation is also encouraging community members to support future classroom innovation through its Century Club fundraising program.