Mini Grants for Equitable Access to STEM Opportunities
A Highly Competitive Opportunity for K-12 Teachers
Administered by The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia
Request for Applications
Introduction to Mini Grants
Funded by GSK, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) mini-grants will provide teachers an opportunity to develop STEM project-based learning experiences year-round with students. These grant-funded projects should introduce students to potential STEM careers. Teachers at eligible schools can submit individual applications for up to $1,500, or collaborative applications (two or more teachers participating) for up to $2,500.
Eligibility
Applicants: All School District of Philadelphia K-12 teachers; one application per school.
Target Population: The mini grant application must serve Black, Latinx, and female students by encouraging these students to actively engage in areas of STEM.
Absolute Priority: Applications are required to address the target population.
Competitive Priority: Applications from neighborhood schools are encouraged, but not required. Those schools that are predominantly Black, Latinx, and/or female will receive a competitive priority of 5 additional points towards their application score.
Timeline
March 2021 – Optional informational sessions and grant workshops
April 9, 2021 – Applications due in Foundation GIVE by 5 PM EST
April 2021 – Review committee convenes to assess eligible applications
May 7, 2021 – Awards announced
May 10, 2021 – Award implementation begins
Grant Period: May 10, 2021 to June 30, 2022
Foundation GIVE
Grant applications will be submitted in our online system FoundationGIVE at https://foundationgive.com/foundations/15/PhillyFUNDamentals.
Instructions can be found both at the end of these instructions and on our website, www.thefundsdp.org. If the school is not already registered, please do so at www.FoundationGIVE.com/register.
Please make sure to work on the application outside the system and cut and paste into the system, or save frequently.
Grant Application Questions
1. Describe your project. What is the specific STEM-related issue you are looking to
address with this award? Provide a brief overview of your proposed project, including
any evidence that supports your approach, and any partnerships or collaborations you
will engage with this project. How does the project show consistency with STEM or your departmental frameworks? (1,000 words maximum) Up to 20 point value.
2. Describe the targeted population and how the project will spark interest in STEM, both
short-term and long-term, with potential student interest in STEM careers. How will the project help students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds overcome barriers to participation in STEM? How will the project verify that the target population is engaged? (1,000 words maximum) Up to 40 point value.
3. Describe the expected outcomes for the project and how you envision the project’s
impact on your classroom/school. What skills will be learned and explain how it will improve student learning. What would it look like for your project to be successful? How will you address project sustainability? (1,000 words maximum) Up to 30 point value.
4. Budget: Provide reasonable estimates and a brief explanation for project purchases in the itemized fields below. A total needed amount will be calculated for you based on the items you enter. Expenses may include: consultants/contractors, professional development and training, books, materials, supplies and equipment, shipping and handling, and other indirect costs. This is a one-time grant opportunity, so requests cannot include ongoing personnel expenses. Curriculum and technology purchases are also subject to SDP approval for fidelity. Up to 10 point value.
Selection Criteria
The STEM Mini Grant selection process will include, but is not limited to the following criteria:
A) Application focus is a STEM project that addresses the work of the Philadelphia STEM Ecosystem. Question 1
B) Proposed project includes primary participation with Black, Latinx and/or female students; Preference is for neighborhood schools. Question 2
C) Proposed project encourages students to choose/engage in STEM pathways or careers. Question 2, 3
D) Proposed project activities are clearly described, feasible, and realistic in the school year timeframe. Question 1, 4
E) Proposed project includes a sustainability component so that it can be repeated with future students. Question 3