Funding

Blended, Online Learning Innovation Grants Up for Grabs

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 04/18/17

An education non-profit that promotes the use of blended and online instruction as a route to personalized learning is now taking applications from teachers and school leaders who need funding to help them create programs for doing the same. Last year, the Foundation for Blended and Online Learning issued grants of up to $10,000 to seven recipients. This year, as part of its 2017 Innovative Educator Grant Program, the foundation will do the same.

The goal of the grants is to support U.S.-based programs intended to "overcome achievement gaps, drive engagement and personalize learning" for students. The funding, which goes the school, not the individual recipient, is expected to be used for technology, professional development, curriculum and related resources. (Note that proposals for robotics programs and engineering and engineering-related programs won't be eligible.)

Last year's projects included creation of a blended dual-language kindergarten literacy program; development of a blended learning geography experience for students living in a low-income farming community; and expansion of an open, competency-based blended math model and curriculum for third grade.

Those who receive this year's grants will have their projects and results documented in evaluation reports to be shared with other educators looking for new, proven ideas. After an initial culling, "semi-finalists" will be required to submit a video no longer than five minutes that gives an introduction and a presentation on how the grant will impact students involved in the program.

Applications will be accepted through May 19, 2017. To learn more, visit the grant portal here.