Operation Round Up Teacher Mini-Grants

Funder: South Plains Electric Cooperative through Operation Round Up program

Geographic Scope: Service area of South Plains Electric Cooperative in Texas

Focus Areas: K-12 education projects in music/art and science

Eligibility

• K-12 teachers in the South Plains Electric Cooperative service area
• Projects must focus on music/art OR science subjects
• Teachers must work at schools within the service area

Program Background

Operation Round Up was established in 1993 with the tagline "neighbors helping neighbors." The program:

• Is guided by a 10-member board of directors
• Funds community and individual assistance projects
• Is supported by South Plains Electric Cooperative members who voluntarily round up their monthly bills to the next dollar (averaging $6 per year)
• Has assisted hundreds of individuals and organizations over 24+ years

In 2015-2016, the Operation Round Up Board initiated teacher mini-grants as a way to support classroom education projects. Ten grants were awarded that year, with continued annual funding approved due to the program's success.

Example Use: One third-grade teacher used a $500 grant to purchase "The Learning Carpet" for classroom science vocabulary learning and cooperative student assessment.

Funding Source

Grants are funded by:

• Voluntary member contributions from rounding up monthly electric bills
• Additional donations from generous members (e.g., Glen Williamson donated $1,500 to fund three grants)
• Office: 806.775.7732
• P.O. Box 1830, Lubbock, TX 79408

How to Apply

1. Access Application: Applications are available online at the South Plains Electric Cooperative website
2. Complete Application Form: Provide project details and educational justification
3. Submit Before Deadline: Applications must be submitted by the annual deadline (historically May 15)
4. Project Description: Clearly explain how the $500 grant will be used to enhance music/art or science instruction

Required Materials

• Completed mini-grant application form
• Project description and educational objectives
• Budget breakdown for how the $500 will be spent
• Explanation of how the project benefits students
• Proof of employment as K-12 teacher in service area

Selection Criteria

• Educational value and impact on student learning
• Alignment with music/art or science curriculum
• Feasibility of project
• Community benefit