$450K in grants awarded to Austin ISD teacher-led projects

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Checks were distributed Wednesday to several Austin Independent School District educators and staff for classroom improvement projects they're behind.

Austin Ed Fund, the nonprofit public education foundation for AISD, visited campuses across Austin to present checks to recipients of its 2024 Inspire the Future grant program. The nonprofit awarded a total of $450,000 for 66 different projects. The nonprofit said this was the largest grant cycle in the program's history.

The grants support initiatives aimed at bolstering classroom literacy, improving educator experience, and alleviating financial barriers to college and career opportunities, according to Austin Ed Fund.

The Inspire the Future initiative was launched in 2015 and "supports collaborative, cross-disciplinary projects that create opportunities for AISD students, staff and families." This year's grant recipients were selected from 138 applications totaling over $958,000 in requests.

"Each year, we are inspired by the creativity and dedication of Austin ISD's educators," said Michelle Wallis, Austin Ed Fund executive director. "Thanks to the generosity of our community partners, this year is the tenth anniversary of recognizing and rewarding our classroom educators. We're thrilled to empower these inspiring educators and make a meaningful impact for the upcoming school year."

Some of the projects that were awarded grants are listed and described below.

Austin ISD Creative Learning Initiative

Project: Creative Community Literacy Collaboration for Reading Academies - awarded $5,700

This project supports educators through state-mandated professional learning, partnering with Austin Bat Cave to expose students and teachers to professional writers and innovative resources. It promotes personal and community literacy connections, aligning with AISD's framework, while emphasizing creative placemaking and active literacy learning.

Zilker Elementary

Project: The Butterfly Effect: Fostering Staff Connections - awarded $6,500 

This project will promote the employee experience by highlighting the significance of small actions within our school community, through team-building activities and recognition programs.

Project: Novel Engineering Project - awarded $5,000

This project will connect the annual One Book, One School event with their STEAM Lab. Through the project, they will create a partnership with the school’s PTA, The Thinkery, and campus staff to supercharge literacy teaching practices.

Travis Early College High School

Project: Celebrating the Culture of BiLiteracy across Generations - awarded $10,000

This project will enhance literacy by conducting a schoolwide literacy campaign through activities designed to engage students and parents in reading, digital literacy, and bilingual literacy to improve student academic performance and engage parents in adult education and job training opportunities.

Project: Happy Teacher Revolution - awarded $6,000

This project will support teacher self-care and wellness. The Happy Teacher Revolution (HTR) is a system of school-based support groups for teachers that empowers educators.

Lively Middle School 

Project: Anthropology Explorers: Cultures of the World Project - awarded $2,500

This project immerses middle schoolers in cultural anthropology through activities promoting cultural awareness, empathy, and cross-cultural communication. Partnering with UT Austin's Anthropology Department and Peace Corps Volunteers, it offers students firsthand exposure to diverse cultures and global perspectives.

Project: Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders through Model UN - awarded $2,500

This project will support the Lively Model UN --- a community of students who share a common interest in diplomacy, international affairs, and the art of debate. It will prepare students to be college and career-ready by allowing them to have engaging discussions on global issues, diplomatic strategies, and international relations.

AISD Dyslexia

Project: Unmasking Dyslexia - $5,700

Provide family engagement opportunities to increase awareness surrounding dyslexia throughout Dyslexia Awareness Month in October. Students, educators and families gain invaluable tools through workshops and interactive sessions to navigate the learning journey with confidence. 

AISD Special Education

Project: Your Future is Bright: College and Career Readiness for Students Receiving Special Education Services - $10,000

The Special Education department, in collaboration with community agencies, will provide meaningful district-wide trainings in the areas of employment and vocational training, college readiness and transition planning for life after high school. 

Bear Creek Elementary School 

Project: If the Book Fits, They’ll Read It - $7,500

This project will give students the gift of decodable books and instructional support materials designed for students with dyslexia or other reading disabilities. 

Blazier Elementary School

Project: Blazier Student Leadership News - $3,200

Supports the creation and enhancement of a student news broadcast program. This initiative aims to empower students with valuable skills in communication, collaboration, media literacy, technology applications and digital citizenship. 

Casey Elementary School 

Project: Harmony in Teaching: Cultivating Wellness and Joy - $7,500

This project aims to enhance the educator experience by implementing a comprehensive wellness program.

Covington Middle School

Project: Colts Care - $10,000

This project will enhance the educator experience at Covington by building strong foundational relationships and engaging in whole-school, culturally responsive, restorative practices through regular check-ins, circles, professional learning and integrating wellness practices and wellness spaces on the campus. 

Kocurek Elementary School

Project: Bridging Gaps and Building Literacy - $9,000

This project will create an inclusive, enriching and interactive library environment where resources, literature and programs reflect the diversity and background of the student population. 

Palm Elementary School

Project: Community Garden - $5,000

This project aims to transform an unused area on campus into a vibrant community garden. Students, families, staff and community members will receive hands-on learning opportunities in gardening, sustainability and healthy eating. 

Pickle Elementary School

Project: Equity and Opportunity in Gifted and Talented - $10,000

The program will increase the percentage of students identified as Gifted & Talented (GT), with a focus in math on a Title I campus. It will meet the academic needs of GT students through enrichment opportunities. 

Walnut Creek Elementary School

Project: Shoot For The Stars! - $10,000

This project will organize an inspiring field trip to the NASA Space Center for fifth graders. 

Since its inception, the Inspire the Future program has awarded over $2.5 million to 500 teacher-driven projects across the district.

A full list of this year's grants can be found online.