Foundations in Education (FIE) is pleased to announce that applications to the Innovation and Leadership Grants Program opens September 15, 2021.
The grants program promotes excellence in Catholic education by supporting teachers’ creative projects and professional development. Grants funded through this program are for transformative initiatives that may benefit multiple grade levels and have a long-term impact on student learning.
Now in its 5th year, this competitive program was the first of its kind in the diocese to offer innovation and leadership grants to teachers and administrators.
To date, Foundations in Education has awarded more than $500,000 in grant funding.
Educators within the Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic Schools are eligible and encouraged to submit grant proposals online from September 15 – October 31, 2021.
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Steven Cheeseman, commented, “We are extremely grateful to Foundations in Education for continuing to make valuable investments in our schools, teachers and students. Across the diocese, educators are working hard to provide robust learning with limited resources. These grants have tremendous impact for our teachers and students.”
A Board appointed grants committee carefully reviews and evaluates each proposal and submits recommendations to the FIE Board of Trustees for approval. The committee is led by Dr. Julie McNamara, President Emerita of Albertus Magnus College, Foundations’ Board member, and honoree recently recognized by Foundations for her commitment to Catholic education.
Projects must align with the Foundation’s mission to strengthen and transform Catholic education and include unique and innovative approaches to teaching that will maximize impact on student learning.
‘This unique program is one that the Board and I are especially proud. These grants help distinguish our teachers and schools for their excellence in education.,” shared Foundations in Education Executive Director Holly Doherty-Lemoine.
Peaches Bernard’s Innovation Grant last year introduced STEM education to 8th graders at St. Augustine Academy in Bridgeport. Students had the opportunity to conduct scientific research, work with robotics and 3D modeling. They learned about the engineering process and did a Lunar project, which involved redesigning their Hexapod and adding a collection module to collect samples on the moon.
“We had a more interactive classroom and lessons were more creative and hands-on,” shared Bernard. “Students work collaboratively to design hands-on engineering projects that helped build their confidence and motivate them into thinking about a career in the engineering field. The students were completely engaged in each lesson and couldn’t wait to start a new lesson.”
Dr. Julie McNamara, observed “I am happy to chair a committee that really makes a difference. Innovation and leadership assures kids a formative experience and takes these students to a different level.”
Foundations in Education is an independent non-profit initiative created to assist the Diocese of Bridgeport’s ongoing mission to support Catholic education in Fairfield County by supporting innovation in academic and extra-curricular programs, fostering opportunities for the professional development of school leaders and providing tuition assistance to families in need.
To learn more, please visit foundationsineducation.org.
