Scholar Strong Mini-Grant Program

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

Application Process

Eligibility:

• Teachers and staff from partner schools
• School-based educators in eligible Southeast Grand Rapids schools

How to Apply:

• Contact Amplify GR directly for application details
• Work with your school's administration
• Submit project proposal to Amplify GR

Required Information:

• Description of classroom project or learning activity
• Project budget (up to $500)
• Learning objectives and student outcomes
• How the project supports STEAM, literacy, college/career readiness, or leadership development
• Timeline for project completion

Project Types Supported:

• STEAM workshops
• Student-led community gardens
• Off-site learning experiences (field trips, nature center visits, museum visits)
• Classroom supply purchases
• Student enrichment activities

Contact for Applications:

• Amplify GR Education Department
• Ashanti Bryant, Education Director
• Phone: 616-279-3936
• Email: connect@amplifygr.org
• Website: www.amplifygr.org