Grants & Projects

Phygital Learn LLC’s work has grown through a series of educational research, technology, literacy, arts, and community-based projects. These projects reflect the company’s long-term commitment to values-based learning, digital innovation, school partnerships, and practical tools that support students, teachers, and communities.

EEHV Training Foundation — 2014

The foundation of Phygital Learn’s work is connected to Education in Human Values training, including training in Santa Barbara with Hymon Johnson. This early foundation helped shape the company’s emphasis on five universal human values: Truth, Right Action, Peace, Love, and Nonviolence. These values continue to inform Phygital Learn’s approach to learning materials, teacher development, and community-centered education.

NSF SBIR Innovation Pathway — 2017

In 2017, Dr. Cheryl Talley secured NSF SBIR support through Virginia State University for early innovation and development work connected to Phygital Learn’s educational technology direction. This $50,000 small business innovation pathway included customer discovery, interviews, feasibility exploration, and early-stage development support. The project helped strengthen Phygital Learn’s foundation in research-informed educational technology.

Project Knowledge — 10-Year Development

Project Knowledge represents a long-term body of work involving curriculum development, research, student learning, teacher support, and arts-integrated education. Over approximately ten years, this work helped build the educational and creative foundation that later informed Phygital Learn’s learning tools, reading supports, and app-based development.

Capital One / Project Knowledge & Art — Around 2021

Around 2021, Project Knowledge & Art received support connected to Capital One, with approximately $15,000 supporting work involving local artists in Richmond and Petersburg Public Schools. This project reflected Phygital Learn’s broader commitment to community partnerships, school-based learning, arts integration, and student engagement.

Phygital Learn Reading Program — 2022

Phygital Learn LLC continued its development through reading-focused learning tools and programs, including work connected to Marcie’s reading program. This direction strengthened the company’s focus on literacy, student engagement, digital supports, and learning materials that can be used in school and community settings.

Apple / Propel-Supported Technology Initiative — 2022

In 2022, Phygital Learn participated in an Apple / Propel-supported initiative with university partnership, including approximately $250,000 in support and iPad hardware for technology-based learning implementation. This work involved collaboration with Cammie Conner of HSSU and helped advance Phygital Learn’s app-based and digital learning direction.

Current Mental Health App Development — 2025–Present

Phygital Learn is currently developing app-based learning and mental wellness tools with co-founders Dr. Cheryl Talley and Ling-An Fang / Suhela Nilayam, along with Mariah Simmons, M.S. Computer Science, who joined in 2025 as app developer. Cammie Conner of HSSU may support future university-based data collection through student involvement. This current work connects Phygital Learn’s history in human values, literacy, educational technology, and community learning with future possibilities in mental wellness, research, and clinic/community-based support.