I have a good friend who teaches English, specifically literature, to high school students. Not being current in English teaching techniques, I mentioned to her that I thought it would prove difficult to bring technology into her classroom since the basis of her teaching is hard-bound books. I was wrong. Her school has received several grants for technology, one of which was used to purchase iPads for all sophomore students. No longer do students read the classics she is teaching only on a hard-bound book, but now also on an iPad. The students also use the iPad to write and submit homework assignments. And in her classroom, my friend uses a SMART Board for interactive teachings, another item that was purchased through a technology grant for schools.
This is only one example of what your school could do with grants for technology. Below is a list of hand-picked grants for school technology as well as other resources that will aid in bringing technology to your school.
Association of American Educators Foundation
Grants up to $500 are available to full-time educators from the Association of American Educators Foundation. Classroom grants can be used for a variety of uses including software, iPads, SMART Boards, and other technology needs. Funds must be used within one year of the application deadline. Application deadlines are March 1 and Oct. 1 every year. Applicants must not have received a grant from this foundation in the previous three grant cycles. Members of the AAE receive weighted scoring on their application.
Student Achievement Grants from NEA can be used to fund technology needs in classrooms. Projects that engage students in critical thinking and problem solving will be favored. K-12 public school teachers, education support professionals, and higher education faculty/staff at public colleges and universities are eligible to apply. Deadlines are Feb. 1, June 1, and Oct. 15 every year. Grant amounts are $2,000 and $5,000. The Foundation has awarded more than $7.1 million to fund nearly 4,500 grants to public school educators over the past 10 years.
The Foundation for Technology and Engineering Educators (FTEE) wants to encourage technology and engineering teachers to participate in professional development. A $1,000 Greer/FTEE Grant is available to help offset the costs of attending the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) Conference. Each applicant must be a member of the ITEEA and teach engineering or technology to students in grades 6-12. Applications are due Dec. 1.
DigitalWish.com is an online tool for educators to help solve technology shortages in their classrooms. This company provides online tools, tips, and resources to help ensure every student has access to technology. Since August 2009, Digital Wish has granted over 24,000 classroom technology wishes and delivered over $10 million in technology products to American classrooms. This website also offers small grants, usually software or programs, to teachers. For instance, DigitalWish.com is currently giving away one Clip Art Station Site License. Teachers should apply before Nov. 30 by submitting a curriculum-based lesson plan that incorporates the usage of digital images or audio.
If your school is in need of computers, the Computers for Learning program could be helpful. This program encourages government agencies to transfer surplus computers and associated accessories to schools and educational non-profit organizations. As federal agencies upgrade their computer systems, the replaced equipment becomes available. All available equipment is entered into an online database from which school officials can search for items in their geographical area. A detailed registration form needs to be completed before a school can search for items. All private, public, and parochial schools serving Pre-K through 12th grade students are eligible. Day cares with a state-approved preschool curriculum and non-profit educational organizations are also eligible. Entities who choose to receive a computer or accessories need only pay for shipping and handling, not the equipment itself.
STEM Mobile Labs is a FREE mobile app for students and educators alike. Developed by The Wireless Foundation and curriculum specialists Young Minds Inspired, this app is designed to give students in grades 8th-12th grades unique learning opportunities in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Students, or teachers, could use the app to conduct real-world or virtual experiments or t o do scientific research.
Photo Credit: Mervi Eskelinen