Brevard Schools Foundation (BSF) recently awarded a total of $42,516 in Bright Ideas Classroom Grants to forty teachers across the school district. The grant amounts ranged from $500-$1,500 per teacher. These funds will be used to implement creative, hands-on projects for students.
All Brevard County Public School teachers were invited to apply for Bright Ideas Classroom Grant funding. The goal of the BSF grant program is to encourage teachers to develop innovative projects in areas of need where school budgets fall short or tax dollars cannot be used.
“Teachers typically spend between $500-$1,000 out of their own pocket for classroom supplies,” said Janice Kershaw, BSF President/CEO. “Without additional support, it is challenging for teachers to find ways to implement experiential learning that will engage students at the highest levels. The need is even greater this year, as teachers are challenged to inspire students in their classrooms and online.”
Funded projects cross a wide range of subjects including financial literacy, ecology, music, robotics, reading and more. Ana Woodrey a Media Specialist at Hoover Middle School will use the $1,500 grant, funded by Northup Grumman, to purchase e-books in core subject areas. This will allow many students to access the same title at the same time. Allowing multiple users is essential in the current blended learning environment in which teachers are responsible for keeping their in-person students and distance learning students on the same track.
“A huge you to Brevard Schools Foundation and Northrop Grumman for making these opportunities possible,’ said Woodbrey during the grant presentation which took place virtually this year. “ “During this challenging time, these electronic titles are vital to teachers and students at so that rigorous learning may continue.”
The Bright Ideas Classroom grant program is funded by proceeds from the sale of “Support Education” specialty license tags, corporate grants, community sponsorships and through a School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program offered by the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations.
Corporate funders include AECOM, Lockheed Martin, Northop Grumman, and SunTrust. Community funders are Merritt Island Rotary and the Viera Women’s Club. The Wyland Foundation also provides funding.
Opportunities to fund grants are available for individuals, businesses and civic organizations. To learn more about Brevard Schools Foundation Bright Ideas Grant program call 321-633-1000 ext. 11756 or info@brevardschoolsfoudation.org.