Nonprofit, fully online university plans to award up to $100,000 in funding to teachers across Kansas, Illinois, Missouri and Minnesota to bring innovative classroom projects and initiatives to life.

Submitted

Western Governors University (WGU) announced March 8 the return of its “Fund My Classroom” initiative, issuing a call for K-12 teachers across the state to nominate their proposed classroom projects for the opportunity to receive full or partial funding. The fully online, nonprofit university is pledging up to $100,000 in grant money across four states for K-12 teachers who have innovative ideas that will further engage their students but need funding to help bring these ideas to life.

Teachers can submit their proposed projects online at www.wgu.edu/fundmyclassroom through April 14. Selected classroom projects will be announced during Teacher Appreciation Week, which runs from Monday, May 8, through Friday, May 12.

K-12 educators can request funding for any type of uniquely creative classroom project they believe would provide an enriching classroom experience for their students – from books, supplies and equipment or technology, to classroom experiences and field trips. To be considered, proposed projects must include a description detailing how much funding is needed and how the proposed project will benefit students. Both public and private school teachers are encouraged to submit applications. Teachers do not have to be WGU students or alumni to apply.

“When it comes to expanding classroom curriculum and employing state-of-the-art techniques to engage and challenge students, K-12 teachers are often limited by the costs associated with providing impactful educational learning,” said Dr. Terrance Hopson, Regional Vice President of Western Governors University. “That’s why we are proud to once again offer ‘Fund My Classroom’ as a way to help make a difference in classrooms across the state and show appreciation for our teachers, who work tirelessly to educate young minds. We hope to be able to fund dozens of innovative projects that will play a role in setting up our children for success later in life.”

This is the fifth consecutive year WGU is making the “Fund My Classroom” initiative available for teachers in the Midwest. The program began in Missouri in 2019 and expanded in 2021 to include Kansas and Illinois. In 2023, the program is expanding to include Minnesota. Last year, the university awarded more than $58,000 in grant funding toward 85 classroom projects across Kansas, Missouri and Illinois.

Some of the classroom projects in Kansas that were funded last year through WGU’s “Fund My Classroom” initiative included: a new set of novels to meet the needs of the population at Brougham Elementary School in Olathe; self-care and relaxation items to create a calming classroom environment at Heller Elementary School in Neodesha; library books for Southwest Elementary School in Pratt; ESL resources to help students with limited English abilities to learn vocabulary and life skills at West Middle School in Haysville; 3-Dmed EnjoystitchTM premium laparoscopic trainer at the Center for Advanced Professional Studies in Overland Park; flexible seating and storage at Piper Prairie Elementary in Piper USD 203; and Alphabet Sound Teaching Tubs, which will allow students at Welborn Elementary School in Kansas City to identify and sort a variety of adorable mini objects, play memory games and build vocabulary skills.

Anyone interested in nominating themselves, colleagues, family or friends can fill out the short application available at wwwwgu.edu/fundmyclassroom. Nominees must reside in Kansas, Missouri, Illinois or Minnesota.

About WGU

Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 140,000 students nationwide and has more than 300,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers and students as a model that works in postsecondary education.

In just 25 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today’s rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN and in The New York Times.

Learn more at www.wgu.edu.