OECU Teacher Grant Program

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

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

How to Apply

Application Methods:

1. Online: Click 'Click Here To Submit An Application!' on oecu.com/grants
2. Paper Application:
   • Available at any OECU branch location
   • Print from website
   • Return completed form to any branch location

Required Information:
Applications must include (at minimum):

• Project reason/justification: Clearly explain why the project is needed
• Clearly stated goals: What will be accomplished
• Materials information: Will funds provide reusable materials?
• Matching funds: Indicate if matching funds are available
• Student impact: How broad a group of students will benefit
• OECU membership status: Verify membership tier (Tier 1 or Tier 2)
• Specific details: Be as detailed and specific as possible about all aspects of the project

Selection & Notification:

• Grant Committee reviews all applications
• Applicants notified via letter or email if selected
• Certificate of approval provided to recipients
• All decisions are final