Students at >Palmquist Elementary School in Oceanside, California, offered their gratitude to the Barona Band of Mission Indians for the grant. Photo from Palmquist Elementary School

The Barona Band of Mission Indians awarded a $5,000 grant to the Palmquist Elementary School in Oceanside, California.

The money comes from the Barona Education Grant Program. It will be used to purchase VEX robotic kits for 5th grade students at the school, which focuses on science, technology, engineering, math and environmental learning.

California Assembly Member Rocky Chavez (R) with officials from Palmquist Elementary School in Oceanside, California. Photo from Palmquist Elementary School

"We're pleased to kick off the school year with an education grant for Palmquist Elementary School," Chairman Clifford LaChappa said in a press release. "The teachers are doing an impressive job of elevating the academic achievement of their students and encouraging them to be problem solvers, innovators and critical thinkers. We are proud to support this school and hope our grant will inspire the next generation of mathematicians, engineers and technology innovators."

Since 2006, the tribe said it has awarded more than $2.5 million to 494 schools across the state.