Academic 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 an innovative project idea?
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 $3,000 - $10,000 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: March 4th through April 22nd
*REQUIRED IN-PERSON PRESENTATION ON JUNE 18th if ACCEPTED
Eligibility
- 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.
- Must serve students or staff in 8th, 9th, 10th, or 11th grade
(District Staff, Teachers, Administrators, and Counselors) - Funding must utilized to serve the above audiences (students and staff from 8th-11th grade) (Community Partners can Co-Author)
- Grant proposals must meet all compliance components
- Applicants must present their proposals at the ExP=O Pitch Competition while attending the 2024 Academic Innovation Conference.
Awardees will be notified by September and be eligible to implement their award over the course of one school year (September 2024 - April 30, 2023).