Fueling Innovation by Empowering Teachers & Students
Every year, the Decatur Education Foundation celebrates the creativity and ingenuity of Decatur faculty, staff, and students by awarding approximately $70,000 in Teacher and Student Innovation Grants! Every school in the City Schools of Decatur benefits from these exciting projects, which are made possible by your generous donations.
In 2023-2024, DEF awarded 30 Teacher Innovation Grants totaling $43,000:
- New playground communication boards for our neurodiverse students will reinforce diversity and inclusion in our K-2 and 3-5 schools.
- Books for middle school classrooms will elevate literacy for reluctant readers.
- Pockettalk translators will make communication easier for all families in Decatur.
- And cutting-edge science equipment will allow students to study birds and their urban environment at close range.
New this year, DEF awarded 20 Student Innovation Grants totaling $27,000:
- A “LEGO Robotics League” will connect elementary students and high schoolers.
- The DHS chapter of Best Buddies will expand its programming, strengthening relationships for students with special needs.
- Our students are also creating a school supply closet at DHS, conducting physics demonstrations, baking, gardening, writing and directing a short film, and helping their peers achieve success on the SAT.
DEF’s Innovation Grants support teachers and students in CSD by providing funds for innovative educational experiences like these, and awards range from $200 to $3,000. Look for the next application process to begin in August 2024, with a deadline in early September 2024.
Check out our latest Impact Stories to see these projects in action. And to support more innovative ideas for your children’s education, consider a donation to DEF today!