Western Governors University (WGU) today announced it has awarded grant funding to K-12 teachers across the state to fund their innovative classroom projects that foster learning in new, unique ways. The grants are made possible through WGU’s “Fund My Classroom” initiative, and a total of eight classroom projects were selected for funding.
The grants will go a long way toward making several K-12 classrooms a more engaging environment for students when they return to school this fall. Projects set to receive funding include the following:
- A new set of novels to meet the needs of the student population at Brougham Elementary School in Olathe;
- Materials to build wooden catapults for a classroom simulation on trajectory by force at North Lawn Elementary School in Neodesha;
- Self-care and relaxation items to create a calming environment for students at Heller Elementary School in Neodesha;
- A variety of diverse books to help build out the classroom library at Southwest Elementary School in Pratt;
- New ESL curriculum resources at Haysville West Middle School in Haysville, which will help students with limited English ability learn vocabulary and life skills necessary to communicate effectively with others;
- A 3-Dmed EnjoystichTM premium laparoscopic trainer at the Center for Advanced Professional Studies in Overland Park;
- Flexible seating and storage at Piper Prairie Elementary in Piper USD 203; and
- Alphabet Sound Teaching Tubs at Welborn Elementary School in the Kansas City, Kansas Public School (KCKPS) District, which will allow students to identify and sort a variety of adorable miniature objects, play memory games and build vocabulary skills.
Teachers often spend their own savings to cover the costs of classroom projects that create an impactful learning experience for students. To thank them for their tireless efforts, WGU issued a call in March for K-12 teachers to submit their project ideas on the university’s website by April 17 for the opportunity to receive full or partial funding.
“We enjoyed reading about all the amazing projects our teachers have planned and are excited we can bring so many to life through our ‘Fund My Classroom’ initiative,” said Dr. Terrance Hopson, Regional Vice President of Western Governors University. “These past few years have been challenging for teachers as they were forced to navigate diverse styles of teaching to best lead students on their education journey. This initiative is an opportunity for WGU to celebrate deserving teachers, who go above and beyond to educate our students, by providing them with funding they can use to further enhance learning both in and out of the classroom.”
WGU’s “Fund My Classroom” initiative launched in Missouri in 2019 and was expanded to include select counties in Kansas in 2020. Last year was the first year the initiative was made available to teachers across the entire state of Kansas. The nonprofit, fully online university selected more than 80 innovative classroom projects across Kansas, Missouri and Illinois to receive funding this year. Most grants were awarded during Teacher Appreciation Week, which ran May 2-6.
To learn more about the “Fund My Classroom” initiative and the work WGU is doing to help teachers advance their careers, visit www.wgu.edu.
About WGU
Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 131,000 students nationwide and has more than 277,000 graduates. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 25 years, the university has become a leading influence in the development of innovative workforce-focused approaches to education. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at wgu.edu.
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Merisa Ashbaugh
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merisa@hausergrouppr.com