The Education Foundation of Alachua County To Award Up to 25 Grants through Catalyst for Change Program

The Education Foundation of Alachua County has announced the opening of application cycle for its innovative Teacher Grant Program, Catalyst for Change, aimed at enhancing educational outcomes in underserved areas through targeted initiatives in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), literacy, career and technical education, and strategies aimed at improving high school graduation rates and performance among low-performing students. 

In response to the urgent need for improved educational resources and support for educators, this program will provide grants between $2,000 to $5,000 to teachers seeking to implement creative and effective instructional strategies within their classrooms. By prioritizing critical areas such as STEM, literacy, and career/technical education, the program aims to empower educators to foster engaging, hands-on learning experiences that equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in today’s economy and beyond. 

“Our teachers are on the front lines of creating opportunities for our students, and we recognize the importance of investing in their success,” said Bobbi Gonzales, Program Director at The Education Foundation of Alachua County. “This grant program is designed to provide educators with the resources they need to inspire their students, especially those who are currently facing academic challenges. With a focus on improving teacher quality and classroom instruction, we believe we can significantly impact the lives of those in classrooms.” 

Key components of the Catalyst for Change Teacher Grant Program include: 

● STEM Excitement and Excellence Initiatives: Grants are open to support projects aimed at enhancing STEM education, including hands-on experiments, coding workshops, and technology integration, fostering students’ interest and engagement in these critical fields. 

● Literacy Enhancement: Teachers can apply for funding to develop innovative literacy programs designed to address reading challenges and promote a culture of reading among students. 

● Career and Technical Education (CTE): The program will support educators in creating CTE pathways, enabling students to gain valuable skills and certifications that prepare them for high-demand, high-wage careers. 

● Support for Low-Performing Students: Proposals are considered that target interventions for low-performing students, focusing on personalized learning experiences that build confidence and competence. 

● HighSchool Graduation Rates: Teachers are encouraged to consider a variety of resources aimed at increasing the graduation rate of students in Alachua County high schools. 

● Professional Development: Grants may also fund professional development opportunities for teachers, ensuring that they have access to the latest instructional strategies and resources to enhance classroom instruction. 

Applications for the Catalyst for Change STEM Excitement and Excellence opened starting July 15, 2024 and closed on August 22, 2024. Applications for the Catalyst for Change Traditional Grants will remain open until September 13, 2024. Interested educators are encouraged to visit C4C.Awardspring.Com for more information on application guidelines, eligibility criteria, and funding amounts.