Innovative Education Support

The Foundation is committed to supporting teachers, counselors, and administrators so they can better serve their students. We do this by offering funding for new or expanded classroom projects and by providing fully paid trips to professional development conferences.

Non-Traditional Learning Opportunities

The Foundation recognizes that today’s students learn in new and diverse ways. By funding K–12 STREAM projects, we help educators deliver content that better supports these learning needs. Typical awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 and are restricted for use on the approved project. Payments are issued to the winning staff member’s school district upon receipt of the district’s W‑9.

Educator Professional Development

School districts often have limited budgets for professional development conferences, leaving many staff members to cover the costs themselves. The Foundation is committed to supporting these opportunities because the skills and insights gained ultimately benefit all students and staff. K–12 school employees are eligible to apply, and awards cover registration and travel expenses up to $3,000. Funds are issued to the recipient’s school district upon receipt of its W‑9.

Typical Conferences

Typical offerings include the American School Counselor Association Conference, the Association for Positive Behavior Support Conference, the Innovative Schools Summit and the Southeast School Climate Conference.

Here’s what school professionals are saying.

  • “I have a student that really struggled in math. By participating in the robotics program (made possible by this donation) I’ve seen her translate her new knowledge of coding into her work in the classroom. It’s great to see her really shine.”
    Brittany Patterson, Middle School Teacher
  • “At year 40, I’ve worked in some very tough environments, and I reassess every year, because technically I could retire. But this conference brought me back to why I do this and reignited me to keep going a while longer.”
    Ann Hughes, District Director of Behavioral Health
  • “There are a lot of high-paying, high-demand jobs in this area in welding and metal machining. It’s really exciting to use this grant to open up that opportunity for my students and for them to be career-ready when they graduate.”
    Brandon Noto, CTE Welding Teacher