Educator Grants Program

HireSmart Cares is a Georgia-based nonprofit founded by Mark and Anne Lackey dedicated to supporting workforce development opportunities for youth through grants, scholarships, and educational funding. The organization focuses on helping young people develop practical skills in hands-on trades, agriculture, STEM, entrepreneurship, and career readiness without requiring burdensome student debt.

Focus Areas

• U.S. Career Development: Construction classes, drone programs, robotics, STEM education, entrepreneurship
• U.S. Agriculture: Livestock projects, farm programs, agricultural facilities expansion
• Workforce Readiness: Life skills programs, professional development, industry certifications
• Leadership Development: JROTC programs, student organizations (FCCLA)

Geographic Scope

• Primary focus: Madison County, GA and surrounding areas (Jackson County, Commerce, Danielsville)
• Expanding nationally: Texas (Houston), and willingness to support programs nationwide
• Based in Georgia but supports schools and programs across the United States

Eligibility

• High schools, middle schools, and elementary schools
• Individual student entrepreneurs
• JROTC units and military-affiliated educational programs
• Career and technical education (CTAE) programs
• Vocational agriculture programs
• Dual-credit/early college programs
• Students demonstrating financial need or limited access to hands-on opportunities

Types of Grants Awarded

• Equipment and Materials Grants: Funding for drones, robotics components, construction tools, agricultural equipment
• Program Expansion Grants: Large grants for facility improvements and infrastructure (e.g., $50,000 barn expansion)
• Event and Competition Grants: Funding for travel, lodging, registration fees, and event participation (Skills USA competitions, drone competitions, TSA competitions)
• Entrepreneurial Grants: Support for student-owned small businesses (e.g., $1,500 Shark Tank winner)
• Educational Program Grants: Funding for classroom supplies, STEM kits, construction materials
• Membership and Professional Development: Grants for organizational memberships (FCCLA dues), professional certifications
• Event Programming: Funding for special educational events (Adulting Day, formal luncheons)

Recent Grant Examples

• JROTC Drone Program: $4,000 (Madison County High School)
• Construction Class Grants: $2,000 each to two teachers (MCHS and Jackson County College & Career Center)
• Agricultural Barn Expansion: $50,000 (Madison County High School)
• Student Entrepreneur Grant: $1,500 (MadiCo Makers Shark Tank winner)
• Drone Program Expansion: $3,911.93 (Evan E. Worthing Early College High School, Houston, TX)
• Elementary STEM and Construction: $1,386.28 + $190.91 (Danielsville Elementary)
• Adulting Day Event: $1,800 (Commerce High School)
• Drone and Robotics Program: $3,063 (Empower College and Career Center, Jackson County)
• FCCLA Membership Program: $1,100 (Commerce High School)

What They Fund

• Equipment purchases (drones, robotics kits, construction tools, agricultural equipment)
• Materials and supplies for classroom projects
• Travel and lodging for student competitions and educational events
• Event registration and entry fees
• Facility renovations and expansions
• Membership dues for student organizations
• Catering for educational events
• Maintenance and replacement equipment
• Transportation for field trips and competitions
• Professional development for educators

What They Don't Fund

• General operating expenses not directly benefiting students
• Traditional college tuition or debt forgiveness
• Fundraising campaigns or donor events
• Programs without direct youth impact

Application Process

Rolling basis - educators and school administrators contact HireSmart directly with grant ideas and requests.

Mission Statement

HireSmart Cares aims to help youth realize their potential by providing workforce development opportunities, particularly in agriculture and hands-on trades, enabling students to build successful futures without crushing educational debt. The organization embodies a "leave-it-better-than-you-found-it" philosophy.

Core Values

• Investment in youth and community
• Practical, hands-on learning
• Workforce development without debt
• Maximizing impact per dollar invested
• Supporting local communities while expanding nationally

Leadership

• Co-Founders/Co-CEOs: Mark Lackey and Anne Lackey
• Ambassador: First Sergeant Francisco Ramey (JROTC instructor, spreads drone education programs nationally)

How to Apply

Contact Method: Email HireSmart Cares directly with grant ideas and requests

• Email: info@hiresmartcares.org

Application Process:
Based on the website content, HireSmart Cares operates on a rolling/responsive basis rather than formal application deadlines. Educators and school administrators:

1. Develop a Grant Idea
   • Identify a specific student need or program gap
   • Determine the cost and purpose of the grant
   • Consider alignment with HireSmart's mission (workforce development, practical skills, youth opportunity)
2. Contact HireSmart Cares
   • Email info@hiresmartcares.org with your grant proposal
   • Include:
   • School name and location
   • Program/initiative description
   • Specific funding amount requested
   • How funds will be used and which students will benefit
   • Number of students impacted
   • Alignment with workforce development goals
   • Contact information for follow-up
3. Optional: Reach out to HireSmart leadership directly
   • For drone programs specifically, contact First Sergeant Francisco Ramey
   • Attend school events where HireSmart representatives may be present

Key Information:

• No formal application deadline appears to be required
• Grants are evaluated on a rolling basis
• HireSmart values proposals showing clear impact on youth
• Emphasis on programs that serve multiple students or provide long-term benefits
• Grants range from $190 to $50,000+ depending on scope and impact

No formal application materials listed on website — direct email outreach appears to be the primary method.