Challenge & Venture Grants for Teachers
The Glendale School District Education Foundation rewards the creation of exciting and innovative educational and classroom ideas through the Challenge & Venture Grants for Teachers program. With an annual budget of $14,000 grants of up to $500 (maximum for Challenge Grants) and up to $1,000 (maximum for Venture Grants) will be awarded to educators enable unique teaching strategies to become a reality!
CONCEPT:
CHALLENGE GRANT programs are not a new idea. Their prime goal is to reward teachers with an opportunity to put an exciting and often long-cherished idea into practice.
Materials developed in challenge grants projects frequently become part of the school’s regular curriculum. The excitement generated by a single grant can influence the learning climate of an entire school.
Challenge grants are effective because they put funds directly into the teacher’s classroom where they can do the most good.
VENTURE GRANT programs carry the same guidelines as Challenge Grants, but are designed for projects that cover a larger student population and/or greater need for financial resources.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
All applications will be reviewed initially by former educators/civic leaders who make up the Glendale Education Foundation Scholarship /Evaluation Committee. Based on the availability of funds, the projects will be chosen on a competitive basis. The Glendale Education Foundation Board of Directors will give final approval to all funded projects.
Interested teachers should fill out the application carefully. Each proposal will be reviewed with respect to the following
Criteria:
INTERESTED APPLICANTS SHOULD FOLLOW THIS PROCESS:
IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
Projects which take several weeks to complete and have potential to become part of the regular curriculum have a better chance of being funded than “once and done” projects.
Applications from elementary teachers must have the signature of the building Principal.
Secondary staff applications must be signed by their Department Chairperson and the high school Principal.
Applicants will be notified of the Foundation Board’s decision by May 22nd and checks will be provided before end of May.
**Previously-funded projects must be completed by May 30.
CONCEPT:
CHALLENGE GRANT programs are not a new idea. Their prime goal is to reward teachers with an opportunity to put an exciting and often long-cherished idea into practice.
Materials developed in challenge grants projects frequently become part of the school’s regular curriculum. The excitement generated by a single grant can influence the learning climate of an entire school.
Challenge grants are effective because they put funds directly into the teacher’s classroom where they can do the most good.
VENTURE GRANT programs carry the same guidelines as Challenge Grants, but are designed for projects that cover a larger student population and/or greater need for financial resources.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
All applications will be reviewed initially by former educators/civic leaders who make up the Glendale Education Foundation Scholarship /Evaluation Committee. Based on the availability of funds, the projects will be chosen on a competitive basis. The Glendale Education Foundation Board of Directors will give final approval to all funded projects.
Interested teachers should fill out the application carefully. Each proposal will be reviewed with respect to the following
Criteria:
- Is the project both innovative and curriculum-related?
- Is the proposed project clearly stated? Are the goals realistic and worthwhile?
- Are all of the procedures to be followed clearly described? Are the methods, needed materials, resource personnel, tentative schedule and completion date specified?
- Is the budget request reasonable and sufficiently detailed? All proposals must include an itemized budget.
- Could this project be funded through a regular Glendale School District budget?
- Does the project have the potential to involve the community in some way?
- Could this project eventually become part of the regular curriculum? Does it have the potential to affect larger numbers of pupils?
INTERESTED APPLICANTS SHOULD FOLLOW THIS PROCESS:
- Think of a project you would like to try in your classroom. You may wish to work with other teachers, administrators, and/or parents. Involve the students; get their ideas.
- Calculate the cost of the project. Obtain accurate prices for all of the materials and supplies you’ll need.
- Complete the Challenge Grants for Teachers Application Form in detail. *These forms will be in new teachers’ mailboxes before school year begins.
- Submit your application to the Executive Director no later than May 20th.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
Projects which take several weeks to complete and have potential to become part of the regular curriculum have a better chance of being funded than “once and done” projects.
Applications from elementary teachers must have the signature of the building Principal.
Secondary staff applications must be signed by their Department Chairperson and the high school Principal.
Applicants will be notified of the Foundation Board’s decision by May 22nd and checks will be provided before end of May.
**Previously-funded projects must be completed by May 30.