Special Project Teacher Grants '24-'25

Teachers who work at Title 1 Schools often do not get reimbursed for classroom curriculum supplies. If they are right at the 40% minimum for free & reduced lunch recipients, they likely have a PTA/Foundation and can support classrooms. At schools where free and reduced lunch recipients are around 90%, it is likely they do not have a PTA and in addition do not support teachers financially, and they also do not have the capacity for school supplies. For example, if a microscope is broken, or the classroom library books are out of date, or the easel is broken, the teacher is required to purchase themselves or do without.

Special Project Grant applications allow for teacher needs and teacher dreams. During the '24-'25 school year, we filled grants for circuitry sets for each students to have hands on experiences as shown above, as well as requests for white boards, bean bags, books, a video lab, and a maker space! This year, we have twenty Special Project Grant Applications alreay, and it is only November. Teachers are requesting books, flexible seating, STEAM equipment, and math games. Maker Space Video

Here is one $350 grant application example from this '24-'25 school year that we hope to fill:

"H.E.S. is a Title I institution that currently serves 85 students at the fifth-grade level. After completing the Beginning of the Year iReady Diagnostic assessments, we concluded that more than 90% of the students are below grade level in Mathematics.  

Owing to this fact, we intend to use games to support and build critical thinking and foundational mental skills in Mathematics. My dream is for learners to move beyond algorithms and “mathematize” to make math more meaningful and ultimately more relevant to application as they develop and enhance their mathematical learning and skills."

This school year, '24-'25, School is In has added an additional Book Grant to our collection of Teacher Grants. Because of this initiative, we have extended our reach of supporting Title 1 Schools in the Metro-Atlanta area into more rural areas such as Tallapoosa and Statesboro. We are expanding, and have the ability to help 50 teachers in total with our fundraising gaol.