Ethnic Studies Course Development for Grades 5-12: Community-Centered Knowledge – Competitive Grant

The Ethnic Studies Course Development grant supports Minnesota districts and charters in creating K-12 ethnic studies courses, as mandated by state legislation. It offers funding up to $50,000 for collaborative projects among schools, district-level initiatives, and individual educators. This initiative aims to enrich curriculum and promote understanding of diverse cultures, fostering a more inclusive educational environment for students across Minnesota.

Under Minnesota Statutes 2025, section 120B.251, legislation passed requiring all districts and charters to offer ethnic studies, including offering a high school ethnic studies course and integrated K-8 ethnic studies instruction. The purpose of the grant is to support districts and charters in the development, evaluation, and implementation of 5-12 ethnic studies courses as outlined in House File 2497.5 section 64, subdivision 14.
All proposed grant projects must align with Minnesota’s definition of ethnic studies as stated in Minnesota Statutes 2025, section 120B.25.
The grant will provide three levels of support:
Grant requests of up to $50,000 to support inter-district, co-op, or tribal school collaborations to develop or implement ethnic studies courses (which could include charter schools and their geographic district LEA).
Grant requests of up to $50,000 to support district-level applicants including charter and tribal schools which are independent LEAs.
Grant requests of up to $50,000 to support school-level applicants, which could support individual or teams of educators working with their building administration.