The Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education is accepting applications from Huntington School District teachers for its 2018/19 grant programs. Thousands of dollars are available to fund innovative classroom initiatives.
Teachers and administrators state that grants awarded over the past two decades have made a real difference in the lives of students. The Huntington Foundation has donated more than $1 million to the district through its mini-grant and Star grant programs since its founding.
“The Foundation continues to provide unbridled support for our students, schools and programs,” Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “It is a partnership that we will never take for granted. All involved should recognize how much we appreciate the extent of member efforts. We encourage all to join the celebration on March 8, as it is the organization’s most significant fundraiser of the year and always a great time!”
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 November 30.
Star grants usually exceed $1,000 and have reached as high as $20,000-plus. They are awarded for projects that “fuel grade-wide, department-wide and school-wide initiatives that have a broad impact on students,” according to the application. The Star grant application deadline is February 28, 2019.
Recent Star grants funded stereoscopes for 3D lab investigations in Huntington High School science classes, an outdoor classroom at Jefferson Primary School, sound equipment for performing arts events in the J. Taylor Finley Middle School auditorium, technology equipment for the high school’s AP Capstone program and a System 44 for Woodhull Intermediate School’s reading center.
Teachers have been asked to answer a set of application 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, any other funding sources have been investigated to support the project.
“The Huntington Foundation board may request for a STAR grant submitter to appear before it and give a brief presentation and answer any associated questions,” said Susan Lyons, who serves as the organization’s vice president of grants and grant administration. “We started this practice three years ago and it was a great success giving both presenter and HFEE board members a much better understanding and insight into each particular program or idea. All presentations will be brief (10–15 minutes maximum) with a simple question and answer follow up.”
The Foundation is a not-for-profit organization. It will hold its 26th annual Reach for the Stars fundraising gala on Friday, March 8. The evening will honor
J. Taylor Finley Middle School Principal John Amato and local orthodontist and philanthropist Dr. Inna Gellerman.
For more information about the two grant programs contact Mrs. Lyons at susanl.hfee@outlook.com or (631) 673-5344.