Educators

Minigrant Awards for Science Teachers

This year’s Minigrant applications are in the review process at this time.  The award recipients have been announced. See the list here.

Program Description

The Arkansas Science & Technology Authority (Authority) Minigrant Program, funded by the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, provides $500 awards to Arkansas public middle school teachers to purchase consumable items for student hands-on experiences in science.  Teachers submit plans for hands-on student activities related to the Arkansas Department of Education Science Frameworks that require consumable materials. The award funds can be used for appropriate consumables or science kits. Classroom textbooks, paper products, and instrument purchases are not allowed.

Who is eligible?

Arkansas public school teachers of science in grades 5 – 8 in schools that reside in the following counties are eligible for a Minigrant Program award from the Authority.

Teachers at schools in other Arkansas counties should contact the Arkansas Community Foundation.

How to Participate

Applicants must complete the  Online Minigrant Application by September 10, 2009.

To help you prepare for the online application, the following questions will appear on the form:

(1) Describe the plan for hands-on activities and the corresponding Student Learner Expectations from the Arkansas Science Frameworks that the purchased materials will support. (Limit: 500 words, font size 10)
(2)  Describe how these activities are expected to result in a measurable change in students’ knowledge base and interest in Science.  How will you evaluate the activities? (Limit: 200 words, font size 10)
(3)  Describe how the activities are expected to meet the learning needs of all participating students. (Limit: 200 words, font size 10)
(4)  Provide additional information that will further explain why your proposal should be funded.  This may include classroom need based on demographics, disabilities, or disadvantages.  (Limit: 200 words, font size 10)
(5)  List the requested items and their anticipated cost (not to exceed $500).  The list should include appropriate consumables or science kits. Classroom textbooks, paper products, and instrument purchases are not allowed.

If more than one grade level is taught by the applicant, he/she may apply for multiple awards addressing science frameworks for each grade level.  Each application should designate a different grade level and will be considered as completely separate proposals.  Individual teachers may receive no more than three awards per year.

MInigrant Guidelines

Applicants may download the complete Minigrant Program Guidelines.

For questions regarding application process contact: becky.hart@arkansas.gov

About the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Since 1974, the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation has supported programs and organizations that improve the quality of life for all Arkansans and that promote systemic change. In committing itself to this mission, the Foundation continues the progressive, cutting-edge visionary work that Gov. Rockefeller undertook in his personal life and philanthropy. For more information on the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, go to www.wrfoundation.org.