Classroom Grants

Geographic Scope: Oregon City Schools District, Oregon, Ohio

Program Description: The Oregon Schools Foundation (OSF) Grant program provides opportunities for teachers and students to learn in new environments, experience creative teaching methods, and facilitate social and academic out of school experiences for students who need enrichment and support.

Priority: Collaborative proposals that focus on district educational initiatives receive priority.

Eligibility

Who Can Apply:

• OCFT (Oregon City Federation of Teachers)
• OAPSE (Ohio Association of Public School Employees)
• Admin (school administrators)
• Teams/Clubs
• Oregon City School District teachers, staff, and students (must be written by these groups)

Requirements:

• Must be approved by a department head and/or school principal
• Must be implementable within one year

Objectives

• Support creative program ideas that enhance student learning
• Encourage creativity in the classroom
• Reward imaginative teaching
• Enrich educational experience in Oregon City Schools

Types of Grants Funded

• Classroom projects aimed at improving student performance and enriching learning experiences
• School collaboration projects connecting various grade levels or entire schools
• Programs taking students out of normal classroom settings (outdoor activities, real-world application)
• Projects combining school curriculum with community partnerships
• Programs specifically designed for at-risk students
• Programs encouraging differentiated instruction
• Instructional materials with ongoing use (preferred over disposable items)
• Prior grants may be repeated

What Cannot Be Funded

• Stipends to pay OCS teachers for summer/extra work
• Substitute teachers
• District required textbooks
• Costs to bring in staff development experts
• Workshop or professional development fees not directly related to student classroom projects
• Food for events
• Prizes
• Portions of another larger grant
• Projects intended to create non-profit or for-profit ventures
• Reimbursement for previously incurred expenses
• Projects that cannot be implemented within one year
• Projects not approved by department head and/or school principal

Implementation & Follow-Up

Implementation Period: 12-month period for program implementation

Awardee Responsibilities:

• Complete an evaluation form at end of grant period
• May be requested to communicate grant outcomes to other teachers in their school and across the district

Review Process

• Applications reviewed by OSF Grant Committee (comprised of community members and OSF Board members)
• No quotas set by school, grade, or subject matter
• Each application evaluated individually on its own merits
• Final decision made by OSF Grant Committee
• Selection process commences on Grant Committee meeting date following application deadline
• Applicants notified after OSF Board meeting accepts committee recommendations

How to Apply

Application Form: Grant Request Form available on website

Application Process:

1. Complete the Grant Request Form
2. Ensure project is approved by department head and/or school principal
3. Submit by deadline
4. Application will be reviewed by OSF Grant Committee
5. Applicants will be notified of approval status

Required Information:

• Project description
• Educational objectives
• Implementation timeline
• Budget breakdown
• How the project aligns with OSF funding priorities

Note: Application details beyond "Grant Request Form" availability are not extensively detailed on the website.