OECU Teacher Grant Program

OECU Teacher Grant Program

Overview: Since 2001, Oklahoma Educators Credit Union (OECU) has supported Oklahoma educators through the Teacher Grant Program, funding educator-created classroom innovation projects. The program has granted hundreds of thousands of dollars to over one thousand creative educators.

Geographic Scope: Oklahoma K-12 institutions and school districts statewide

Focus Areas:

Classroom equipment

Teaching materials

Classroom necessities

Hands-on learning enhancements for Pre-K through 12th grade students

Any school district, grade level, or subject matter supported

Funding Structure - Tier-Based:

Tier 1: Regular OECU membership - Up to $250 per year

Tier 2: OECU membership with either minimum $500 monthly direct deposit OR active OECU loan - Up to $750 per year

Key Features:

Year-round rolling applications (no waiting period between awards)

Reusable materials preferred

Matching funds considered favorably

Broader student impact weighted in selection

Eligibility

• Must be: Active OECU member in good standing
• Must be: Employed at any Oklahoma K-12 institution/school district
• Not limited by school district, grade level, or subject matter
• OECU membership required (can be obtained at oecu.com/membership)

Selection Criteria

Applications evaluated on:
• Clear project justification and reasoning
• Clearly stated goals
• Whether funds provide reusable materials
• Availability of matching funds
• Breadth of student population impacted
• OECU membership status
• All decisions by Teacher Grant Committee are final

What OECU Will NOT Fund

• Furniture
• Field trips
• Electronic equipment for single-person use
• Magazine subscriptions
• Software subscriptions
• Supplies typically provided by the school

Contact & Resources

Website: oecu.com Membership Info: oecu.com/membership Application Locations: Available at any OECU branch location or online

History

• Established: 2001
• Originally bi-annual, then became annual, now year-round rolling
• 2020 Awards: $26,000 granted to 66 teachers across 49 schools in 26 districts