WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (SEPTEMBER 20, 2024) — To celebrate 20 years of fostering educational growth, the Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation (WASDEF) announces the launch of the Founders Grant for Educational Excellence, a $40,000 grant opportunity open to Williamsport Area School District (WASD) educators.
The grant includes $20,000 from WASDEF, that will be matched by WASD for a total of $40,000.
The grant funding will enable educators to develop a collaborative project or program that align with the missions of both organizations. It’s designed to support innovative and creative programs that enhance the educational, cultural and athletic opportunities across the district.
The Founders Grant will fund programs between September 2025 and August 2027. Applicants must either plan to conclude their project by Aug. 31, 2027, or develop a sustainability plan for continuation after the grant period.
Project proposals must be collaborative, involving teams from across departments, grade levels or schools. Emphasis should be placed on one or more of the following focus areas: technology; entrepreneurship; environmental literacy; career development and exploration; health, wellness and nutrition; STEM/STEAM/STEELS programs; leadership development; mentorship programming; communications; and community engagement.
Applicants are encouraged to design programs that bridge multiple focus areas to foster interdisciplinary innovation.
Proposals will be judged based on strength of innovation, creativity, educational value and sustainability. Finalists will receive invitations to present their full proposals to the WASDEF Board of Directors in May 2025, and the grant recipient(s) will be announced during the foundation’s 2025 Cherry + White Appreciation Night next fall.
To express interest, educators must submit a letter of intent by Nov. 8. Those invited to submit full applications will be notified by Jan. 13, 2025.
“The Founders Grant for Educational Excellence represents a unique — and unprecedented — opportunity for our educators to bring their most innovative and impactful ideas to life,” said WASDEF Executive Director Greg Hayes. “As we celebrate two decades of ‘creating powerful classrooms and inspiring futures,’ we are excited to see how this funding will spark new initiatives that will enrich the educational experiences of our students and foster collaboration among our faculty and administration. This grant not only supports short-term projects but also empowers educators to think about the sustainability and long-term impact of their programs.”
“We are grateful to our education foundation for leading this incredible grant opportunity,” said Superintendent Dr. Timothy S. Bowers. “By matching the foundation’s $20,000 contribution, the district is proud to support a collaborative vision that empowers our educators to innovate and create impactful programs. Together, we are committed to fostering opportunities that will leave a lasting impact on the educational experiences of our students.”
For more information on the application process and guidelines, visit the foundation’s website at www.wasdeducationfoundation.org.
WASDEF is the recognized nonprofit affiliate of the Williamsport Area School District. The education foundation facilitates charitable giving and permanent legacies based on individual areas of interest in educational innovation, the arts, athletics and scholarships. For more information, visit www.wasdeducationfoundation.org.
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