Academic Innovation Mini Grants

Academic Innovation Mini GrantsAcademic Innovation Mini (AIM) Grants are designed to support individual and school passion projects aimed at improving academic performance through innovative classroom experiences that engage, inspire, enhance, and motivate student learning. 

Do you have a passion project?

AIM Grants are designed to support individual and school passion projects aimed at improving academic performance through innovative classroom experiences that engage, inspire, enhance, and motivate student learning. Proposals may request funding in the $2,000-$8,000 range.

All applications should demonstrate a direct student impact through relevant and meaningful instructional experiences. All applications should have a positive correlation to student success and GEAR UP goals.

Application Deadline: April 7, 2023

Eligible teachers, administrators, coaches or counselors are encouraged to apply. It is required that any interested party communicate their ideas with their GEAR UP Coordinator to ensure eligibility as well as alignment between the school's innovation goals and GEAR UP grant goals and compliance measures. It is also the responsibility of an awarded district to notify Appalachian GEAR UP if any awarded educators leave the school or district. If funds have been spent, then it is the responsibility of the school to carry out the responsibilities of the grant award.

Awardees will be notified by September and be eligible to implement their award over the course of one school year (September 2023 - April 30, 2024).

Eligibility

Due to federal grant regulations, the AIM grant request for proposal is only eligible to teachers, counselors, coaches and administrators supporting grades 7th-10th within the participating schools of our GEAR UP community. Any 9th or 10th grade applicant must teach at least 50% or more 9th or 10th grade students in their schedule and any proposal being submitted must apply directly to 9th or 10th grade students. Please contact your GEAR UP Coordinator to confirm eligibility.

Required Webinar

All applicants must attend one of the following webinars. This opportunity will walk the applicant through the AIM Grant process for the upcoming cycle, including new guidelines and requirements. Following the webinar, attendees will gain access to the 2023-2024 AIM Grant Application link.