With limited resources, it can be difficult to provide the technology needed to create a 21st-century learning environment. There are many grants that provide technology devices for K12 classrooms. Take the time to do some research and apply for grants for which your students are qualified. Here’s a few to get you started.
1. EdTechTeam Student Device Grant: EdTechTeam Summits are high-intensity two-day events that focus on deploying, integrating, and using Google Apps for Education and other Google Tools to promote student learning in K-12 and higher education. The EdTechTeam donates a percentage of the net income from each event directly to classrooms with a focus to put internet connect devices into the hands of students. They prefer to see each class set of donated tablets placed in a 1:1 pilot program that allows students to take the devices home with them on a daily basis
2. Computers For Learning – Computers for Learning gives classrooms computers and facilitates the transferring of computers from government agencies and the private sector to schools and educational nonprofits. To be eligible to receive computers, a school must be a k-12 public, private, homeschool, or parochial school. Deadline is rolling.
3. Digital Wish Grants – (Source – Tool Factory and Olympus) Digital Wish Grants aims to help teachers receive funding for technology in their classroom. Through this program, teachers that submit a lesson plan are automatically eligible to be entered to win up to 50 technology grants. Participating teachers can share classroom stories and experiences, and Digital Wish Grants will add them to the website. This allows potential donors to make a contribution. Deadline is rolling.
4. EcoTech Grants: The Captain Planet Foundation is awarding 16 grants for the purpose of engaging children in inquiry-based projects in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) that use innovation, biomimicry / nature-based design, or new uses for technology to address environmental problems in their communities.
5. Lockheed Martin STEM Grants: These are general grants supporting specific programs in schools, especially relating to STEM education and community improvement. There is a geographic restriction, which may exclude that handful of states where the company has no physical presence or substantial business interest.
6. Toshiba Grants For Grades 6 – 12: Currently seeking classroom innovators! Toshiba America Foundation accepts applications from teachers who are passionate about making science and mathematics more engaging for their students. Many successful grantees have designed projects that tap into the natural curiosity of their students, enable students to frame their own scientific questions, and incorporate the expertise of community partners.
Many teachers also raise money through crowdfunding sites like donorchoose.org, where teachers create a project request for their classrooms, and people donate money to their cause online. What have you done to raise money for classroom technology resources? Feel free to share what’s worked best for you.