Mini Grant 2022

If you have questions contact: Claire Bunker, MiSTEM Network Director, East Central Michigan Region, by email: cbunker@svsu.edu or phone: 989-621-2733.

OBJECTIVE:

The major objective of the East Central Michigan MiSTEM Mini-Grant Program is to enhance the quality of educational experiences in 3P Learning (program, project and place) and computer science for area youth. The emphasis is on stimulating new teaching ideas and new learning opportunities made possible through the creative spark of the educator. An additional emphasis is also placed on developing community outreach projects, encouraging students and schools to work with local business partners and community organizations. Priority will be given to place-based initiatives. Priority will also be given to computer science proposals that include cybersecurity, coding or career components.

ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS:

The program is open to all educators in Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland and Saginaw Counties. Out of School Time and university programs that promote the objective are also eligible to apply for the grant. Applicants are also encouraged to work with business and community partners.

FUNDING/BUDGET GUIDELINES:

The maximum amount of a grant to be awarded is $1500. Projects that incorporate a business or community partner may be eligible for a grant award up to a maximum of $2000. Expenditures for program materials to enhance or extend a regular program or to create a new program are encouraged; they should be beyond the scope of the regular school-line item budget.

TIMELINE:

  • Project proposals will be reviewed beginning April 22, 2022. (You may apply after April 22, 2022)
  • Notification to applicants will be made during the week of May 2, 2022.
  • Awardees are to complete their project by May 1, 2023.
  • A brief report summarizing results, expenditures, and effectiveness of the project is due no later than May 15, 2023.

SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS:

Applicants must complete the online form and include the following attachments with their application:

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

One-page project narrative describing the project. The project narrative is a summary of the project and should include:

  1. Description of the need,
  2. The goal of the project,
  3. The expected outcomes of the project,
  4. Description of the benefits of this project (students, school, community),
  5. Any other important information you want us to know; include project partners and their roles if you have any.

(Download and save a copy of the document, complete and re-save it, upload the completed/resaved document into the application. (If you are unable to upload the document it can be emailed to cbunker@svsu.edu)

(Include the name of the project in your file name ex: Project Description ABC Elementary)

ACTIVITIES & BUDGET WORKSHEET:

Use the attached document to outline the activities involved with your project, who will carry out each step, and the costs involved. Download the worksheet to use as a template (electronic copy available) or use the attached copy.

(Download and save a copy of the worksheet, complete and re-save it, upload the completed/resaved worksheet into the application. (If you are unable to upload the budget worksheet it can be emailed to cbunker@svsu.edu)

(Include the name of the project in your file name ex: Budget Worksheet CS Club)

AWARDING OF GRANTS/FUNDS:

Following the submission of all applications, a panel will review the grants. Awards are determined based on the top-ranked proposals in each region. Factors taken into account in the final decision include adherence to proposal guidelines, the creativity of the project, proposed impact on students and community, and the opportunity the project presents to make a difference in the education of students.

Please visit the following link to access the online application.

Note: Awards are granted to institutions not individuals. (Ex: If an educator receives an award the materials become the property of the district, not the individual educator.)