Huntington Foundation Seeks Grant Applications
The Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education is accepting applications from Huntington School District teachers with innovative ideas for its 2012/13 grant programs. Several thousand dollars are available to improve the educational experience of students on every grade level.
Superintendent James W. Polansky said that grants awarded over the last two decades have made a real difference in the lives of students. Since its founding, the Huntington Foundation has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the district through its mini-grant and Star grant programs.
The purpose of the mini-grant program "is to provide money for special projects costing up to $1,000 for innovative classroom activities that are beyond the core curriculum, such as new computer software, educational additions for a classroom and various workshops," according to the application form. Mini-grant applications must be submitted by October 30.
Star grants typically exceed $1,000 and have reached as high as $12,925. They are awarded for projects that "fuel grade-wide, department-wide and school-wide initiatives that have a broad impact or grand vision of education," according to the application.
Recent Star grants have included funds to create a cell culture lab at Huntington high School, public speaking workshops for sixth graders, iPod Touch devices for the high school English and social studies departments, a projector, laptop and flip camera for the a school library/computer center to enhance research projects as well as reader theaters and musical productions. The Star grant application deadline is January 29, 2013.
Teachers have been asked to answer a set of applications questions, including how the grant will enhance the instructional program in their classroom, how it will support the standards within the curriculum, what will students be able to accomplish as a result of the grant that will expand and enhance their learning and, for Star grants, what other funding sources have been investigated to support the project.
The Foundation is a not-for-profit organization. It will hold its 20th Annual Reach for the Stars fundraising gala on Friday, January 18, 2013 at the elegant Woodlands in Woodbury. The evening will honor former Huntington School Board member and PTA official Christine Bene with the group's Spirit Award.
For more information about the two grant programs contact Sheri Lewis-Taylor at lewtay5@aol.com or (631) 385-4751.