(April 12, 2011) Nelsonville, Ohio – In partnership with the Walmart Foundation, the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is pleased to offer the Walmart Foundation Strive for Excellence Mini-Grants Initiative, providing investments ranging from $500 to $2,500 to encourage and support the efforts of teachers across the region to develop classroom experiences promoting science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM).
Applications for the 2011-2012 academic year are invited from K-12 teachers and/or guidance counselors throughout the 32 county region of Appalachian Ohio for projects increasing student interest in STEMM areas, and inspiring possible post-secondary studies in one or more of the STEMM fields.
Projects can include, but are not limited to: field trips to visit STEMM-related sites, businesses or college programs; exploration of STEMM-related career opportunities, including those available locally and regionally; partnerships with recent high school alumni to share college experiences relating to STEMM disciplines; and classroom projects or curriculum promoting STEMM.
FAO aspires to distribute at least one award in each of the 32 counties, where appropriate, and has approximately $145,000 in available funding for awards. All applications must be submitted electronically by Tuesday, May 3rd.
“Walmart is proud to partner with the Foundation for Appalachia and help support teachers across the region to engage their students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine,” said David Gose, Regional General Manager for Walmart’s southern Ohio region. “We believe these grants will lead to new opportunities for students to gain experience and knowledge in these areas of study, and help them to realize future success.”
Through Walmart’s continued investment in FAO, all grants will be submitted electronically through an online grant application, streamlining the process to make submission easier and faster for all, especially busy teachers and guidance counselors.
“FAO knows supporting educators is one of the most effective ways to increase student success,” said Cara Dingus Brook, President and CEO of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. “Teachers are committed to their students’ success, and FAO is pleased to partner with the Walmart Foundation to provide funds to fuel their passion to enrich the lives of students.”
Additionally, Walmart’s partnership leverages the funding of the Foundation’s ICAN! Corporate Partners to provide an additional $17,000 in available funding for applications in their service areas, including: Diagnostic Hybrids, a Quidel Company, developing, manufacturing and selling innovative diagnostic products for a wide range of viral and thyroid diseases; ED MAP, tailoring full-service bookstore service solutions incorporating eBooks, custom materials, print textbooks and educational supplies; Oxford Mining, employing hundreds of people throughout Appalachian Ohio with a commitment to increasing quality of life throughout the region; and the Tata group of companies, India’s largest and most respected business group operating internationally across seven business sectors.
Learn more about the Walmart partnership, Strive for Excellence grant opportunity and additional corporate partner funding!