Grant Programs
MVSEF invests in strategic initiatives that advance excellence within the Mounds View School District. The following are three important programs funded by the Foundation during this past year.
ACT Choice Initiative
In April, 2011, Mounds View Public Schools became the first and only district in Minnesota to provide the ACT and writing exam, free of charge, to all district juniors, and a practice ACT exam to freshmen and sophomores, thanks to a $41,000 grant from the Mounds View Schools Education Foundation. The ACT District Initiative also supports after-school ACT preparation courses and development of in-school course content which coordinates with ACT preparation activities. Test supervision training for staff allows students to take the April exam in their own familiar school setting.
This bold initiative furthers the district's goal of providing all students with the very best preparation for higher education opportunities, career readiness, and post-secondary success. MVSEF is proud to renew its funding of this initiative for the 2011-2012 school year. The Foundation supports the high standards of academic excellence which have long distinguished the Mounds View Public Schools and which enhance the well-being of our greater community.
Instructional Technology Vision Initiative
Integrating 21st century handheld technologies into classroom instruction gives students the opportunity to practice innovative skills and techniques needed for post-secondary success in today's world. Tools such as iPods, iPads, and netbooks allow teachers to more readily differentiate instruction and to increase student engagement. The Mounds View Public School District has committed to integrating technology into the instructional process at all levels, K-12. The district's goal is to redefine its delivery of a standards-based education and to provide equitable access to technology for all students.
Renewing our contribution from last year, Mounds View Schools Education Foundation will again grant $55,00 to provide students access to cutting-edge technology. With these dollars, one or more classrooms at each district school will be adapted to incorporate handheld technology. Teachers and students using the new instructional tools will benefit, and other teachers will have the opportunity to observe and learn about using technology in the classroom.
High School Physics Fairs
Since 1999, Mounds View Schools Education Foundation has been pleased to provide financial support for the annual Mounds View and Irondale High School Physics Fairs, which showcase our students as scientists, engineers and artists. More than 550 students from both high schools participated in the Physics Fairs last year, with thousands of parents and neighbors attending the two spring events. Mounds View High School's fair has been touted by state-wide media as the largest in the nation.
The Physics Fairs highlight the results of students' long-term group projects in which components are assembled into a chain reaction sequence, and principles of physics and engineering are put into practice. The projects are judged by 30+ scientists and engineers from the Twin Cities - some of whom are alumni of Mounds View Schools. Foundation dollars pay for equipment, including the purchase two years ago of new solar-powered components.
and Applications:
Funding Guidelines:
The Foundation supports initiatives that directly align with the District's strategic plan, expand the scope and/or pace of key District priorities, or are potential innovations within the District that are replicable across multiple schools.
Limitations:
The Foundation will only fund projects that are a part of the District's operational plan, as approved by the School Board. As such, all proposals should include some level of matching support from the District and clearly delineate how the Foundation's involvement advances the scope and/or pace of the initiative.
While the Foundation will consider multiple year grant awards, successful initiatives must have 1) a viable plan for long-term sustainability, and 2) a clear evaluation strategy with measurable objectives for each year of the grant award. Release of subsequent year funding will depend upon annual progress toward programmatic objectives.
Eligibility:
The Foundation does not accepted unsolicited proposals, but will invite specific applications from District leadership in May of each academic year.
Invitation Process:
District leadership will review a draft of the operational plan with the full Foundation board of directors in May of each academic year, and highlight areas where the Foundation can advance the scope and/or pace of key initiatives.
The Foundation will select those initiatives perceived to be the most effective strategies for advancing student achievement and most viable for fundraising. The Foundation will then invite appropriate District leadership to submit a formal application for funding. (The Foundation's grant application packet will be mailed to all invited applicants and/or can be found on the Foundation's website.)
All applications must be received by the Foundation's Grants Committee by 5:00 on the first Friday in June. If the deadline falls on a holiday, the grant application must be received by 5:00 p.m. the following school day.
Grant Awards:
Invited applicants will submit a formal grant proposal using the Foundation's application form. The Foundation's Grants Committee will review the applications and request additional information and/or personal interviews with applicants as necessary.
Notification of grant awards will be made by July 31st of each calendar year.
Once projects have been approved for funding, the Foundation will work to raise the requested funding. Foundation reserves will be used to cover the initial grant payment to launch the project.