Scholar Strong Mini-Grant Program

Scholar Strong Mini-Grant Program

Funder: Amplify GR

Overview:
Scholar Strong is a mini-grant program designed to support students in Southeast Grand Rapids by encouraging teachers and staff to develop and implement innovative and experiential instructional projects. The program motivates and challenges students to learn and achieve while reducing the financial burden on teachers who typically pay for classroom supplies out-of-pocket.

Geographic Scope:

Southeast Grand Rapids

Partner schools: Dickinson School, Hope Academy of West Michigan, River City Scholars Academy

49507 ZIP code area

Focus Areas:
Funding supports classroom projects and learning activities in:

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math)

Literacy

College and career readiness

Leadership development

Eligible Applicants:

Teachers and staff from partner schools in Southeast Grand Rapids

School-based educators

What the Grant Funds:

Classroom projects and learning activities

Experiential instructional projects

STEAM workshops

Student-led community gardens

Off-site learning experiences

Student enrichment activities

Purpose:

Provides financial resources for innovative classroom projects

Reduces financial burden on teachers for classroom supplies

Expands learning opportunities for students

Supports student achievement and motivation

Background:
Launched in June 2019, Scholar Strong was created in partnership with three Southeast Grand Rapids schools. The national survey cited shows 94% of traditional public school teachers and 88% of charter school teachers have paid for classroom supplies out-of-pocket due to budget shortfalls. More than 20 teachers from partner schools have received funding for learning experiences.

Partner Schools:

Dickinson Elementary School

Hope Academy of West Michigan

River City Scholars Academy

Contact Information:

Amplify GR Education Director: Ashanti Bryant

General Contact: Amplify GR

Phone: 616-279-3936

Email: connect@amplifygr.org

Address: 1534 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Suite 220, Grand Rapids, MI 49507