2017-18 MiStem Advisory Council Grants

 

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) District State-Scale Up Grant

The MIchigan Mathematics and Science Center Network is pleased to announce that applications are now open for a grant opportunity funded by the MiSTEM Advisory Council (Section 99s3-1617) for Project Lead the Way (PLTW) District Scale-up projects. The grant offers funding opportunity in two categories:  a District Sustainability/Capacity Building mini-grant and also a New Implementation District Scale-up grant.

• Release of Request for Proposals: Monday, January 9, 2017
• Deadline for submission of proposals: Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at 11:59 p.m.
• A completed grant application (fillable form) is due electronically in PDF form to:  thayer@sresd.org
• Anticipated announcement of awards: Wednesday, April 12, 2017
• Funded projects may begin planning process immediately and must have all training and purchases completed on or before September 15, 2017

Grant applications and a FAQ is available on the Capital Area Science and Math Center webpage:  http://www.sresd.org/District/Department/17-CASM

This grant supports the Michigan Department of Education (MDE)'s Top 10 in 10 Years by supporting and coordinating opportunities for every student in Michigan to engage in integrated STEM programming, specifically for Strategic Goal 2.6, which states: Ensure that all students within the P-12 system are able to engage in a well-rounded learning experience. The funding for this opportunity is provided through the MiSTEM Advisory Council Grant (Section 99s3-1617)

Visit the CASM website regularly at http://www.sresd.org/District/Department/17-CASM for news and updates.

 

Eligibility Requirements:

Please read and ensure all the eligibility requirements are met prior to applying. This is a competitive application process and applications are not guaranteed funding.

• Must be a public elementary, middle, or high school in the State of Michigan. P-12 districts are encouraged to apply for implementation of PLTW programming across K-12.
• Applicants must partner with a regional center of the Michigan Mathematics and Science Center Network (MMSCN), as demonstrated by a memorandum of understanding (MOU) or similar letter of support signed by a partnering mathematics and science center. A template MOU for the supporting MMSCN is provided with the application materials on the CASM website.
• Applicants are also required to submit a letter of support from a local community business partner (manufacturing, medical, engineering, etc.), and/or Chamber of Commerce, and/or economic developmeent committe to recognize the STEM College and Career Readiness characteristics that the implementation of PLTW courses in the LEA will support. (http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-28753---,00.html)

NEW IMPLEMENTATION DISTRICT SCALE-UP GRANT:

• Districts are encouraged to apply to implement district wide K-5 launch, a 6 -8 Gateway course, and a HS PLTW course
• High schools interested must implement a new PLTW course
• MIddle schools interested must implement a new PLTW Dateway course
• Elementary schools must implement PLTW launch K - 5
• First consideration in the grant review process will be districts that are applying for district-wide implementation of K-% launch, 6-8 gateway, and including a HS component (existing, or a new HS course request) with a commitment and plan to sustain programming

SCHOOL DISTRICT SUSTAINABILITY/CAPACITY BUILDING MINI-GRANT:

• A high school or middle school with an existing PLTW course may apply for a "mini grant" for additional teachers to be trained in a PLTW course that is already implemented in the district
• A HS, MS, or Elementary with an existiang PLTW course may apply for a "mini grant" to support the purchase of "non-consumable" materials (EX: VEX Kits) and/or technology to support the growth of a program. Grants will be awarded up to $2,100.

Timing:  Grant awarded schools must begin implementing the PLTW program(s) during the 2017-18 academic year.

Grant Award Levels:

• Elementary $5,000 (7)  $35,000 TOTAL (new K-5 launch implementation only)
• Middle School $10,000 (6)   $60,000 TOTAL (add a new gateway course)
• High School $15,000 (3)   $45,000 TOTAL (add a new HS course)
• Sustainability / Capacity Building mini-grant $2,100 (5)    $10,000 TOTAL

Use of Funds

Allowable Expenses (funds may be used for the following types of program expenses):

• PLTW Teacher raining Expenses
• PLTW Participation Fee for 2017-18
• PLTW 2017 State Conference Participation Fee and Sub-cost
• Required equipment and supplies listed in the program's Inventory Workbook
• Technology

Unallowable Expenses (funds may not be used for):

• salaries or stipends
• benefits
• meals
• renovations
• infrastructure
• indirect costs