Best Education Grants

About the Community Foundation of Washington County

The Community Foundation of Washington County serves as vehicle for philanthropy and a powerful force in improving the quality of life in Washington County. We partner with individuals, families and businesses to create or donate to funds that meet their charitable goals and provide for the causes they care about the most. 

The Community Foundation of Washington County, MD offers more than 100 scholarships for graduating high school students and non-traditional students in continuing education. Artist of Change Scholarship

Provides scholarships to deserving students in Washington County, MD whose art, charitable work, or intended career path promotes equity, diversity, inclusion, and/or justice for communities that have faced historical oppression.

Lowndes Community Foundation (LCF) Grants

Meeting the needs of Columbus and Lowndes County Communities—one grant at a time.

Sustainable Grantmaking

Our mission is to improve the quality of life within Columbus and Lowndes County. As a public foundation, we have a special role to play in creating a sustainable source of funding to address the needs of our community. Rather than relying on yearly fundraising, we draw on the investment earnings of the LCF Endowment, reinvesting a percentage into our communities while the remaining funds continue generating revenue for future projects.

Funding Priorities

Our community guides our grantmaking. Through the LCF's periodic Community Conversations--public gatherings where hundreds of local citizens come together to review current data on the state of the city and county and to engage in a democratic, deliberative process to identify our most pressing needs--we've identified five priority areas. In addition to these priority areas, we generally support initiatives within three areas of interest:

• Civic and Cultural (e.g., beautification, public good, performing arts)
• Education and Human Development (e.g., tuition guarantee, GED, early childhood)
• Health and Human Services (e.g., family enrichment, emergency response)

About

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF) is dedicated to fostering charitable giving, empowering donors, and enhancing our community by facilitating investments in a diverse array of charitable causes. We serve a pivotal role in attracting, managing and distributing substantial charitable funds to enrich the lives of residents across George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, and Stone counties.

Established in 1989 as a 501(c)(3) organization, GCCF has invested more than $110 million into South Mississippi, providing administrative services to more than 120 funds that support local grassroots organizations in achieving their charitable objectives. Our primary mission is to amplify philanthropy across the lower six counties, which we accomplish by the following:

• Distributing grants to charitable causes
• Providing donor services
• Offering responsive leadership to our community’s evolving needs
• Developing and managing a comprehensive pool of funds
• Our donors encompass individuals, families, corporations, private foundations, agencies and other organizations united by a vision to improve the quality of life for South Mississippians.

Through the GCCF Investment Committee, donated funds are prudently invested, maintaining a balanced approach to growth and income. Donors and community partners value our professional financial and grants administrative services, which connect generous contributors with local organizations addressing the needs of our growing region.

Mary & Gene Levens Excellence in Teaching Grant

Mary & Gene Levens Excellence in Teaching Grant is honored to recognize teachers who continuously develop creative teaching solutions, demonstrate strong leadership skills, and are passionate about the role they play today, in developing tomorrow’s future leaders.

Amount of Teacher Grants:

A $1,000 grant or award shall be disbursed annually. The award shall be made to honor a teacher. The award must be made payable to either the school for the purpose of purchasing classroom material or supplies as determined by the teacher or awarded directly to a teacher as an award to recognize her achievement in the classroom. Donor recognizes that awards made payable to the teacher may be considered taxable income to the teacher. The grant award shall be disbursed in a single installment.

Use:

Teacher Grants shall be used by the teacher to purchase supplies, material, technology, equipment, or furnishings for use in the classroom or to pay for experiences that may benefit the class or students. The precise use of the funds shall be at the teacher’s discretion but must benefit her/his classroom or students in some way. The grant shall be paid by GCCF directly to the school or district on behalf of the teacher.

Cook County Community Fund 

Mission

The Cook County Community Fund supports initiatives that strengthen community connections and respond to local needs across six key areas: arts, education, community development, the environment, human services, and youth.

Funding Priorities

• We prioritize projects that build collaboration, address the root causes of challenges, and bring people together across Cook County.
• Grants often support new or emerging ideas, especially those that can make a meaningful difference with modest funding.
• Applicants are encouraged to seek matching funds, and proposals that leverage additional support are given strong consideration.

‍Other Considersations

While the Fund does not typically support capital projects or ongoing program costs, we may offer short-term or multi-year funding to help launch promising new efforts—so long as there’s a plan for sustaining the work after our grant ends.

Award Range

• $1,000 to $5,000

Grant Cycle

• Spring

About Us

Our Mission

To improve the quality of life in Noble County by serving as catalyst for positive change, enabling donors to carry out charitable intent, and making grants.

Community Impact Fund

The purpose of this fund is to be used for grantmaking through grant requests submitted to the community foundation.

Donor Story

This fund was established in 1993 by the then board of directors of the Community Foundation of Noble County. The Community Impact Fund holds the unrestricted dollars used by the Community Foundation of Noble County Grants Committee to support programs and charitable efforts in our county.

Community Impact Grant

Current grant cycles focus on three priority areas. The first cycle, with a deadline of March 2, focuses on senior issues and human services. The second cycle, with a deadline of July 2, focuses on childcare and education. The final cycle, with a deadline of November 2, focuses on economic development and other charitable services. These categories allow for a wide range of project types that align with the foundation’s mission of improving quality of life in Noble County.

Tara Lynn Clossman Memorial Fund

Established by the Clossman family and many others in memory of Tara Clossman, who passed away suddenly in 2016 at the age of 25, to provide postsecondary scholarships to Akron City School District high school seniors pursuing a career in dance or education.

Amount:

• Varies ($1,000 minimum)

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• No

Ann Lane Gates Scholarship Fund

Established by Ann Lane Gates to provide scholarships for Project GRAD Akron Public Schools students.

Amount:

• Varies $500-$1,500

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Renewable for three additional years. Must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, continue to pursue a degree in education, and reapply annually by submission of a new application.

Esther Simonetti Owen Future Educators Scholarship Fund

Established to honor Esther Simonetti Owen's half-century of work in the education field by providing scholarships for Akron Public Schools students who plan to major in education.

Amount:

• $1,000

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• No

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

Title I Parent and Family Engagement Initiative

Program Description

The purpose of this program is to provide support to School Systems and ESCs by providing access to best practice resources and strategies to improve student achievement.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

2026-2027 Statewide ESSA Title I, Part A, Capacity Building Initiative

Program Description

The purpose of the Title I, Part A Capacity Building Initiative is to work cooperatively with the Federal Program Compliance Division and Department of Grant Compliance and Administration to develop and provide resources to ESCs and LEAs statewide to assist in implementing Title I, Part A; Title I, Part D; and Title I Private Nonprofit School (PNP) Equitable Services programs to increase the opportunity for all students in meeting the State’s content, student performance standards, and grant fiscal rules, regulations, and requirements.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

SP Supports 2: Effective Program Model Implementation

Program Description

The purpose of this project is to provide school systems with supplemental supports that include professional development and technical assistance on TEA-developed program implementation resources and researched based guidance.

Digital Promise

Digital Promise is a global nonprofit working to expand opportunity for every learner. Working with a wide range of partners and practitioners in the U.S. and around the world, our initiatives have impacted over 4.4 million students and 180,000 teachers across 173 districts and in 27 countries to date.

Digital Promise was authorized by Congress in 2008, signed into law by President George W. Bush, and formally launched by President Barack Obama in September 2011. Startup support came from the U.S. Department of Education, Carnegie Corporation of New York, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Since then, Digital Promise has grown rapidly with support from both original and new funders.

AIMS EduData Initiative

The Advancing Innovative Math Solutions (AIMS) EduData Initiative, funded by the Gates Foundation, seeks to build sustainable and scalable research infrastructure to advance math learning. AIMS EduData especially encourages applications from graduate students and early career professionals, educators with research roles, such as those working in district research offices, and researchers located at minority serving institutions or Title I school districts. Successful applicants will conduct original research using datasets provided by leading digital learning platforms (DLPs) and participate in a growing community.

RightOn Education and Teachley Math RFP

For education researchers and practitioners

Benefits for successful applicants:

• Opportunity to investigate associations between features of a Digital Learning Platform and mechanisms supporting student learning, engagement, motivation, and instructional practice.
• Opportunity to contribute to the education R&D movement by expanding its capacity and skills, providing feedback to DLPs about the utility of their datasets and insights about their features, and demonstrating the affordances and value of conducting research through DLPs.
• Involvement in a dynamic, supportive community of digital learning providers and researchers
• Two proposals will be funded

This solicitation offers opportunities to run experiments in two DLPs. One enables research with Teachley Math, an intervention that includes interactive digital games and problem-solving modeling tools, lessons and formative assessment data for students in grades K-5. The second enables research with RightOn Education, an online digital learning platform for grades 7-10 that allows teachers to create or select math games, engage students in feedback and reflection on their thinking, and access real-time information about student misconceptions. 

Teachley Math

Teachley Math is particularly interested in research investigating:

• Through what mechanisms does feedback shape outcomes?
• What sequences of tool actions best predict eventual correctness?
• What are common error patterns and do they vary by grade level?
• Do process measures add predictive validity beyond final-answer accuracy?

Digital Promise

Digital Promise is a global nonprofit working to expand opportunity for every learner. Working with a wide range of partners and practitioners in the U.S. and around the world, our initiatives have impacted over 4.4 million students and 180,000 teachers across 173 districts and in 27 countries to date.

Digital Promise was authorized by Congress in 2008, signed into law by President George W. Bush, and formally launched by President Barack Obama in September 2011. Startup support came from the U.S. Department of Education, Carnegie Corporation of New York, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Since then, Digital Promise has grown rapidly with support from both original and new funders.

AIMS EduData Initiative

The Advancing Innovative Math Solutions (AIMS) EduData Initiative, funded by the Gates Foundation, seeks to build sustainable and scalable research infrastructure to advance math learning. AIMS EduData especially encourages applications from graduate students and early career professionals, educators with research roles, such as those working in district research offices, and researchers located at minority serving institutions or Title I school districts. Successful applicants will conduct original research using datasets provided by leading digital learning platforms (DLPs) and participate in a growing community.

RightOn Education and Teachley Math RFP

For education researchers and practitioners

Benefits for successful applicants:

• Opportunity to investigate associations between features of a Digital Learning Platform and mechanisms supporting student learning, engagement, motivation, and instructional practice.
• Opportunity to contribute to the education R&D movement by expanding its capacity and skills, providing feedback to DLPs about the utility of their datasets and insights about their features, and demonstrating the affordances and value of conducting research through DLPs.
• Involvement in a dynamic, supportive community of digital learning providers and researchers
• Two proposals will be funded

This solicitation offers opportunities to run experiments in two DLPs. One enables research with Teachley Math, an intervention that includes interactive digital games and problem-solving modeling tools, lessons and formative assessment data for students in grades K-5. The second enables research with RightOn Education, an online digital learning platform for grades 7-10 that allows teachers to create or select math games, engage students in feedback and reflection on their thinking, and access real-time information about student misconceptions. 

RightOn Education

RightOn Education is particularly interested in research investigating questions related to the following areas (illustrative research questions are provided below):

• Student confidence and math self-efficacy: How do patterns of student confidence differ across correct and incorrect responses, and how do they vary by question or Common Core standard?
• Productive struggle, metacognition, and learning from misconceptions: How do different types of reflection prompts (e.g., self-directed vs. peer-directed explanations) affect the likelihood of optional hint submission and the length of student-generated hints?
• Student motivation and engagement: How do different incentive conditions influence student participation in optional activities, and how are they associated with student correctness and confidence?

Community Foundation of East Mississippi

With over 40 years of dedicated service, the Community Foundation of East Mississippi (CFEM) is committed to fostering charitable giving that connects generous individuals, families, and businesses to meaningful causes.

Mission: A catalyst for charitable giving where civic-minded individuals, families, and businesses achieve philanthropic goals. We bridge resources and needs to enhance the dynamic communities we serve.

Neshoba Teacher Mini Grants

The purpose of the Neshoba Education Endowment Fund is to provide mini-grants to teachers to support educational programs and activities in Neshoba County.

Teacher Mini-Grants are limited to $500 or less.

The number of teacher grants given each year is based on the amount of funding available and the applications received. Multiple awards are given each year.

The Community Foundation of East Mississippi wants to support your efforts to enhance your curriculum, introduce new tools, or launch creative projects!

About the Foundation

The MxCC Foundation Supports CT State Middlesex and Meriden Campuses

The purpose of the Middlesex Community College Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) public charity incorporated in Connecticut, is twofold:

• To support the college and its students by receiving, managing, and distributing funds for scholarships and other educational purposes, and
• To generate and strengthen communication and collaboration between the college and the Foundation and business, industry, professional, civic, and educational leaders in the communities served by the college—all of Middlesex County, Meriden and Wallingford in New Haven County, and Rocky Hill in Hartford County.

Removing financial obstacles that bar or inhibit student access to education is the Foundation’s driving force. Scholarships address not only the growing need for financial assistance, but also our perennial wish to celebrate student achievement.

The MxCC Foundation’s charge is to develop external resources that contribute support to student and academic programs, as well as efforts that foster student success.

Eriksen Family Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2021 by the Eriksen Family. It is awarded to a full- or part-time, continuing or graduating student who wishes to pursue a bachelor’s degree. This award is intended to provide an ongoing opportunity for the student to continue their education.

MissionA catalyst for charitable giving where civic-minded individuals, families, and businesses achieve philanthropic goals. We bridge resources and needs to enhance the dynamic communities we serve.VisionCreating a legacy of enrichment that impacts generations to come.Core Values

• Integrity
• Stewardship 
• Community

The Grant Community Foundation of East Mississippi awards grants through several competitive application processes each year. (Cycle 1, Cycle 2, Cycle 3). You are able to apply in each grant cycle.

• Cycle 1 : Education, Arts 
• Cycle 2: Animal Welfare, Education Mini-Grants, Environment/Historic Preservation
• Cycle 3: Community, Leadership, Health and Human Services

About Us

At the Springfield Community Foundation (SCF), our mission is to connect, engage, and inspire our neighbors to elevate our community. Formed in 2004, SCF became an affiliate fund of Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) in June 2013 and was reinvigorated in 2021 to support the growing need for community betterment and targeted improvement projects in Springfield, Nebraska.As an affiliated fund of MCF, SCF operates under a 501(c)(3) charitable umbrella, allowing donors to receive the maximum tax benefits while making a meaningful impact. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected Springfield.SCF supports initiatives that enhance education, arts, wellbeing, and economic development, ensuring that our town remains a thriving place to live, work, and play. 

Scholarships

Here at the Community Foundation, we’re passionate about education. That’s why we offer over 100 scholarship opportunities to Whitley County students. Thanks to generous donors, we have scholarships available to students of every age, income level, academic ability, and athletic aim. All scholarships will be due April 15th unless otherwise noted in the scholarship description.

Non-traditional Student Scholarships- Diane R. Behrens Nursing Scholarship

Established by retired nurse Diane R. Behrens who was a nurse in Whitley County for more than 30 years. This award is given annually to a Whitley County resident who is a Christian, of good moral character, who is an associate or diploma degreed RN enrolled in an accredited BSN completion program in a college or university in the US or a junior or senior nursing student enrolled in an accredited baccalaureate nursing program in a college or university in the US.

About Us

Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Whitley County, Indiana to make their philanthropic giving as impactful as possible. We are a public charity serving Whitley County citizens who share a common concern—improving the quality of life in Whitley County. To do this, individuals, families, businesses, and organizations have made donations to the Greater Good Fund of Whitley County and instructed the Foundation to direct their gifts wherever the need is the greatest. These funds are invested and twice a year the Foundation’s volunteer Grants Committee reviews applications and makes funding recommendations to the Board of Directors.

Giving is the heart of what we do here at the Community Foundation. Every year, we give over $1 million dollars to non-profits, community entities, and college-bound students here in Whitley County. We fund a variety of causes that promote sustainable impact towards the betterment of Whitley County. Your project may be next!

What We Grant

The Community Foundation’s Greater Good Fund responds to the ever-changing issues facing Whitley County.

Twice a year (April 1 and November 1) the Foundation’s volunteer Grants Committee reviews applications and makes funding recommendations to the Board of Directors. Grants are made possible by donors who have instructed the Foundation to direct their gifts wherever the need is the greatest.

Categories of support include:

• Arts & Culture,
• Health,
• Human Services,
• Recreation,
• Community Development,
• animal welfare, and
• Education.

Impact 100 Perry County Grantmaking Program 

A small group of women came together in December 2016 with one thing in mind – forming a local organization to bring transformational grants to Perry County. The model they have used was established in Cincinnati, Ohio by philanthropist Wendy Steele. Using Wendy’s model, this local group founded Impact 100 Perry County and soon after, adopted the tag line “The Power of Women Giving as One,” which accurately describes our mission. Individually, $500 donations cannot make much of an impact on an organization, but when combined with a group of others, can have a significant impact on a 501(c)3 organization, public school or government entity. 

This year, Impact 100 Perry County will award one lump sum grant to one local non-profit organization in the amount of $16,000. If your organization has a project that could utilize up to that amount, please precisely describe the project and how it could benefit the community.

Title I, Part A of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides supplemental resources to local school districts to help provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education, and to close educational achievement gaps.

Strategic Objectives: DESE partners with districts, schools, and programs to:

• Strategic Objective 1 — "Whole Student" : Cultivate systems to support the whole student and foster joyful, healthy, and supportive learning environments so that all students feel valued, connected, nourished, and ready to learn. 
• Strategic Objective 2 — "Deeper Learning" : Promote deeper learning so that all students engage in grade-level work that is real-world, relevant, and interactive. 
• Strategic Objective 3 — "Diverse and Effective Workforce" : Develop and sustain a workforce that is diverse, culturally responsive, well-prepared, and committed to continuous improvement, so that all students have equitable access to effective educators. 

• Strengthen the core program in schools and provide academic and/or support services to low-achieving students at the preschool, elementary, middle, and high school levels;
• Provide evidence-based1 programs that enable participating students to achieve the learning standards of the state curriculum frameworks;
• Elevate the quality of instruction by providing eligible staff with substantial opportunities for professional development; and,
• Involve parents/guardians of participating public and private school children as active partners in their children's education at school through open, meaningful communication, training, and, as appropriate, inclusion in decision-making processes.

Title II, Part A of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides supplemental resources to school districts to improve high quality systems of support for excellent teaching and leading.Strategic Objectives: 

DESE partners with districts, schools, and programs to:

• Strategic Objective 1 — "Whole Student" : Cultivate systems to support the whole student and foster joyful, healthy, and supportive learning environments so that all students feel valued, connected, nourished, and ready to learn. 
• Strategic Objective 2 — "Deeper Learning" : Promote deeper learning so that all students engage in grade-level work that is real-world, relevant, and interactive. 
• Strategic Objective 3 — "Diverse and Effective Workforce" : Develop and sustain a workforce that is diverse, culturally responsive, well-prepared, and committed to continuous improvement, so that all students have equitable access to effective educators. 

• Increase student achievement consistent with challenging State academic standards;
• Improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other school leaders;
• Increase the number of teachers, principals, and other school leaders who are effective in improving student academic achievement in schools; and
• Provide low-income and minority students equitable access to effective teachers, principals, and other school leaders.

About GCF

The Gretna Community Foundation (GCF) is a nonprofit organization created by and for the people of Gretna. Since 2011, we have been dedicated to helping donors make a lasting impact on our community. Through our partnership with the Midlands Community Foundation, we ensure professional financial management while maintaining the flexibility to direct funds toward local projects that shape Gretna's future. Whether supporting education, community development, or local nonprofits, GCF is committed to fostering a thriving and connected community for generations to come. 

In 2022, the Community Foundation of Utah connected the Ogden Circle of Giving with the Dr. Dumke Foundation to support their initiatives to continue to support the Ogden area through their Donor Advised Fund creating the Ogden Circle of Giving’s second giving cycle awarding the Dumke Endowment Funds.

The Grant: 

Grants are to be made to nonprofit organizations serving the Greater Ogden area addressing pre-determined general issue areas in the community with an emphasis on supporting projects and programs. These issue areas reflect the values and priorities identified by the Board of the Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Foundation in its sunsetting plan.

Focus Areas: 

• 2024 - Ogden-centric civic and arts efforts
• 2025 - Conservation and environmental projects in the Greater Ogden area
• 2026 - Access to health care, particularly for underserved populations, women’s health care, and homeless populations
• 2027- Early childhood programs and education, including projects that provide enrichment beyond traditional school or community forums (Please note: no grants will be made to schools serving grades K-12)
• 2028 - Ogden-centric and arts efforts
• 2029 - Conservation and environmental projects of the Greater Ogden area

Priorities: 

The Ogden Circle of Giving rotates through core focus areas each grant cycle to ensure equitable access to targeted funding opportunities and to align with the Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Foundation's mission. These areas include:

• Education - Investing in lifelong learning through early childhood programs, higher education, and enrichment opportunities outside traditional K–12 settings.
• Civic and Arts Engagement - Supporting Ogden-based civic initiatives and arts programs that contribute to a thriving and inclusive cultural landscape.
• Environmental Conservation - Advancing conservation and sustainability efforts within the Greater Ogden area to protect and preserve natural resources.
• Healthcare Access for Underserved Populations - Expanding healthcare access with a focus on underserved groups, including women and individuals experiencing homelessness.

About Us

Making a Difference, Together

The Community Foundation of Monroe County (CFMC) builds a thriving, inclusive community through the power of philanthropy. By connecting generous donors with local causes, we help ensure Monroe County remains a place where everyone can thrive. Since our founding, we’ve been a trusted steward of community resources, fostering impactful collaborations and sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, poverty, and community development.

Women Educators Endowed Fund

The Women Educators Scholarship Fund supports applicants pursuing a degree in the field of education with a completion of at least 48 undergraduate credit hours at an accredited Michigan college of education or an institution with a reciprocal agreement.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

Unified Champion Schools Grant

Program Description

The Unified Champion Schools grant provides funding to support statewide Unified Sports, comprehensive early child development to adult transition programs with data-based health, social, leadership, transition, and athletic programs for students with intellectual disabilities.

The intent of the grant program is to expand the reach of the Special Olympics Unified Champions project. This project uses sports as a catalyst for social inclusion that extends beyond the playing field and into classrooms and communities to promote long-term success of students with intellectual disabilities.

The Texas Unified Champion Schools (UCS) program emphasizes three core components: Inclusive Youth Leadership, Unified Sports & Activities, and Whole School Engagement. Authentic social inclusion is the overall project goal. With awarded funds, the grantee will expand the number of campuses that are able to participate in the program.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

IDEA-D funds- Program Purpose, Goals, and Objectives

The purpose of IDEA-D funds is to provide technical assistance and dissemination to improve services and results for children who are deafblind. The purpose of this program is to promote academic achievement and improve results for children with disabilities by providing technical assistance and model demonstration projects, disseminating useful information, and implementing activities that are supported by scientifically based research. IDEA includes provisions designed to ensure that each child with a disability is provided a high-quality individual program of services to meet his or her developmental and educational needs. For children who are deafblind to receive such services, intensive technical assistance is made available to the school system, parents, and professionals (IDEA-D, Section 663; CFDA 84.326T).

TEA is awarded funds through a five-year competitive grant program titled Technical Assistance to State Deafblind Projects, administered by the USDE, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). This project is administered by TEA through the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI).