Virginia Swihart Beginning Teacher Fund

Small grants to help beginning teachers with their classroom needs and supplies.

Geographic Scope: New Haven Unified School District (CA, US)

Focus Areas:

• Classroom supplies
• Educational displays
• Organizational tools
• Art supplies
• Items to personalize teaching space

Eligible Applicants: New teachers in their first year

Background: Virginia Swihart was a beloved teacher and administrator in the New Haven Unified School District who nurtured and supported new teachers. She established this fund to help beginning teachers transition to their new classrooms.

What Grants Cover:

• Gift cards for classroom supplies and materials
• Essential classroom setup items
• Educational materials and displays
• Organizational and decorative items

Key Information:

• Helps new teachers turn empty classrooms into warm, inviting learning spaces
• Small grants provided each year
• Monies in the fund come from donations made by NHUSD staff
• Some NHUSD staff members direct disbursements
• This fund is not open for public applications - funds are distributed directly to new teachers