Mini grants give local schools an opportunity to try new ideas

TCOE is thrilled to announce the launch of our second year of applications for our local mini grant program. We are excited to see how local school districts utilize this opportunity to address existing gaps and experiment with fresh initiatives.

The mini-grant program offers two pathways:

Pathway 1, Educator Pathway: Is available to all educational staff in the county, including both classified and certificated staff members, with funding of up to three thousand dollars per project.

Pathway 2 LEA Pathway: Is designated for district- or school-wide projects submitted by administrators.

If you are applying for the educator pathway, please ensure that you obtain approval from your administrator before submitting your proposal. We look forward to receiving your innovative ideas and supporting your efforts to enhance education in our community.

Please visit the application link here: https://bit.ly/TCOE-MiniGrant2024

Last year’s mini grant applications resulted in….

    •    Lewiston School / Provided funding for a Disc Golf, STEAM, & Washer & Dryer
    •    Douglas City School / Bookshelf & Books & Cantilever Chairs
    •    Alps View School/ Garden Project
    •    Junction City School/ UPK Project & Private Meeting Space Supports for Mental Health
    •    Weaverville Elementary School/ PBIS PLC, Mr. Brown SEL Speaker, and Kinesthetic Playground Equipment Replacement
    •    Trinity Alps Unified School District/ TAU Musical “Annie” & Conference
    •    Burnt Ranch School / Science & Spanish Specialist
    •    Southern Trinity / Historical Publishing content & UPK project
    •    All Schools / Cafe’ consultant

We encourage school staff to get creative and submit your application!!

The California Classified School Employee Teacher Credentialing Program is intended to recruit Classified school employees into teaching careers. The purpose of the Classified Grant is to support classified employees to earn a preliminary California Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Education Specialist teaching credential. The Grant is available to support participants in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree and/or teacher preparation program. 

Applications are currently open and will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Online Application: https://forms.gle/ZwSvroteLCbFmtGHA

Selected participants will receive financial assistance for degree and credentialing-related expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, and academic guidance. Other forms of individualized support are available to help grant participants complete their undergraduate education, teacher preparation program, and transition to becoming credentialed teachers.

Minimum Requirements: The Classified Staff Teaching Grant is open to potential classified employees who meet the minimum requirements. A classified employee is defined as “a noncertificated school employee currently working in a public school”. Part-time and Full-time classified staff members are eligible to apply. Interested applicants must already possess an Associate in Arts (AA) degree or have successfully completed two years of college, or higher. (about 60 units)

About the Funding: Participants can receive up to $4,800 per year towards tuition, books, and fees. Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis for up to 3 years and can be used to cover applicable expenses from February 10, 2023, through June 2026. Participants are expected to complete one school year of classroom instruction in Trinity County (if available) in exchange for each year enrolled in the classified staff teaching grant program.

Available Programs: In order to receive grant funding, candidates must attend one of the following pre-approved programs: Cal Ploy Humboldt, Cal State University Chico, Simpson University, National University, Teach Lake County, or CalState TEACH (Fresno). You may suggest additional programs on your application, but there is no guarantee that these programs will be approved for reimbursement. 

Before submitting an application, please consider the following pre-requisite statements:

1. I am a classified staff member currently employed in Trinity County. If not currently employed, I am interested in working as a classified staff member (if available) in Trinity County.
2. I am interested in pursuing a Single Subject, Multiple Subject, or Education Specialist credential.
3. I already possess an Associate in Arts (AA) degree or have successfully completed two years of college or higher. (about 60 units)
4. I am willing to attend one of the following pre-approved credentialing programs: Cal Poly Humboldt, Cal State University Chico, Simpson University, National University, Teach Lake County, or CalState TEACH (Fresno). 

By submitting an application for the Classified Staff Teaching Grant Program, if accepted, I agree to complete all of the following:

1. Graduate from an institute of higher education with a bachelor’s degree.
2. Complete all requirements for and obtain a Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Education Specialist teaching credential.
3. Complete one school year of classroom instruction (if available) in exchange for each year enrolled in the Classified Staff Teaching Grant Program.
4. Utilize the individualized support services provided by Trinity County Office of Education.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements but are interested in pursuing a teaching credential, we encourage you to submit an application. All applicants will be added to our list of interested candidates for future grant opportunities and/or credentialing support. 

Application Deadline: This application will remain open until the designated 18 slots are filled. 

*Note: All email inquiries will be redirected to the Classified Staff Teaching Grant Application (current page)

Thank you,

Credentialing Department
Trinity County Office of Education
trincred@tcoek12.org

The Toshiba America Foundation is continuing its STEM grants program for teachers throughout the year. While the K-5th grade applications have closed for 2023, applications are still open for 6th-12th teachers, who can apply for either up to $5,000 in one application or can apply for more than $5,000 through a separate application.

6th-12th Grant Program

• Next Applications Due: There are several grant windows throughout the year for 6th-12th grade teachers. The next deadlines are:
  • Grants of less than $5K coming: December 1.
  • Grants requesting more than $5K: November 1.
• The 6th-12th grade grants are geared toward teachers who have an innovative idea for improving STEM learning in the classroom.

Online Applications Only

See application and full list of what the grant can't be used for at the Toshiba America Foundation here:

https://www.toshiba.com/taf

Background

Founded in 1990, with support from Toshiba Corporation and the Toshiba America Group Companies, Toshiba America Foundation (TAF) is dedicated to helping classroom teachers make STEM learning fun and successful for students in U.S. schools. TAF grants fund the projects ideas and materials teachers need to innovate in their science, technology, engineering and math classrooms. TAF is interested in funding innovative projects designed by teachers or small teams of teachers for use in their own schools and classroom.

Questions?

To find out more about the proposal process, please contact

tai-foundation@toshiba.com

The below grants have passed but be sure to look out for them next year!

Program Overview

National Park Trust, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, announced the 2024 cycle of the Every Kid Outdoors Small Grants Program, supporting the needs of non-profits and schools that are connecting elementary school-aged youth to public parks, lands, and waters.

This grant supports the goal to ensure every child in the United States has the opportunity to visit public lands and waters by the time they are 11 years old. National Park Trust recognizes that the lack of transportation is often one of the greatest barriers to youth connecting with the outdoors.

Application Information

Deadline: November 30, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Requests must connect elementary school-aged youth to public parks, lands, and waters (federal, state, or local) through a positive and impactful outdoor experience.

Outdoor field trips should meet one of the following objectives:

• Align with classroom curricula
• Encourage health and wellness through outdoor recreation
• Foster future outdoor stewards
• Create connections to cultural heritage
• Requests should encourage a passion for more outdoor adventures.

Submitted requests should include details around pre-visit activities leading up to the outdoor field trip, day-of details, and post-visit activities that allow youth to debrief and reflect on the experience.

Special consideration will be given to requests that are specifically engaging 4th grade students in outdoor outings.

Special consideration will be given to requests that take place on USDA Forest Service lands and grasslands.

PLEASE NOTE: Funding received from the Every Kid Outdoors Small Grants Program should ONLY be used to cover transportation and experience costs associated with approved outdoor outings – this includes but is not limited to transportation (public transportation, school buses, charter buses, trains, ferries), food, and safety/first-aid supplies. Please do NOT ask for funding to support operating or salary expenses.

You can find the full information and grant application here.

California Coastal Commission WHALE TAIL® Grants are open for proposals. WHALE TAIL® Grants support experiential education and stewardship of the California coast and its watersheds.

Grant projects can engage youth or adults and can take place anywhere in California. Education and stewardship projects relating to climate change as it impacts the coast and ocean are eligible and encouraged.

You can view the grant guidelines and find the application in the following link: https://conta.cc/3qQHYGS

• Application deadline: November 6, 2023 by 5 p.m.
• Applicants may request any amount up to $50,000. At least 25% will be small grants up to $20,000. Approximately $2,000,000 will be distributed.
• Eligible applicants: Non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, projects of a non-profit fiscal sponsor, public schools or districts, government entities, Federally Recognized Tribes and other California Native American Tribes as defined by Governor's Executive Order B-10-11.
• This is a reimbursement grant, meaning that grant recipients will invoice for work done and purchases made, and be reimbursed for those expenses.
• Projects must relate to the coast and ocean and may fall into one or more of the following categories: 1) youth education programs, 2) programs for educating the general public or adults, 3) climate change education and stewardship, 4) shoreline cleanup and enhancement programs with community involvement (such as Adopt-A-Beach®).

View more information at www.coastal.ca.gov/whaletailgrant