If you want to know just what those educator mini-grants did for classrooms across north-central West Virginia last year, take your seat for some quick capsules.
There was that lesson plan on Vietnam in one room — which led to a class field trip to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., during the same term.
How about those hands-on phonics materials that helped another classroom jump to an 89% reading level and beyond?
Or the one class whose teacher bought additional dissection equipment to show the amazing properties of adaptation in the animal world?
“There are so many innovative educators across the region,” Patty Showers Ryan said. “We’re just happy we could help.”
Ryan is the executive director of Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia, the nonprofit, charitable organization that serves Monongalia, Preston, Marion, Harrison and Taylor counties.
The organization is again offering educator “mini-grants” of up to $750 — which may be used for learning enrichment activities as the people in front of the classroom see fit.
This is the second year for the outlay, Ryan said.
“We were so successful last year,” the executive director said.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better response. So we’re bringing it back again. This is just one more component of our outreach.”
Outreach, she said, that’s especially critical in the classroom, where teachers toil daily to keep students engaged.
And not just traditional teachers: Counselors, librarians and school nurses are also eligible to apply.
Monies may not be used for projects already complete or purchased, Ryan said.
Same for after-school activities, speaker fees, gift cards or food items such as snacks, the executive director said.
The goal, Ryan said, is to spark learning using the outlay for a lesson plan, an approved project or resources not covered by the applicant’s respective school district.
“Maybe a teacher wants to buy an additional software program,” she said.
Applications are being accepted through Sept. 23, Ryan said, with a cutoff time of 11:59 p.m. that day.
To apply, email Laurie Abildoso at laurie@ycfwv.org with your name, your school’s name, your county (and school district) and your district’s county-level tax identification number.
Recipients will be notified of their award in November and monies will be issued in the form of a check payable to their school.
YCF, in the meantime, manages assets of more than $20 million and administers more than 150 endowment funds across its region. Its main goal, Ryan said, is to encourage, create, market and manage endowment funds — originated by individuals, families, businesses and organizations throughout the area.
Her organization, she said, is glad to extend that mission to the classroom.
“We value our educators and our schools,” Ryan said of the return offering. “This is one more thing we can do.”
Other opportunities for grants, with the application deadlines same as above:
- STEM for Girls: Open to traditional public elementary schools looking to enhance science, technology, engineering and math options — with preference given to Title I schools, as well as nonprofit organizations. Must be located in Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, or Taylor County. Offering awards of up to $4,000.
- Stephen D. Tanner Children’s Enrichment Fund: Open to traditional public elementary schools in Monongalia County with preference given to Title I schools. Monongalia County nonprofit organizations offering enrichment programs for underserved children will also be considered. Offering awards of up to $2,500.
- Women’s Giving Circle of North Central West Virginia: Open to nonprofit organizations in Harrison, Taylor, Marion, Preston, and Monongalia Counties that are addressing the needs of girls and women. Offering awards of up to $5,000.
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