Welcome to Part II of our Funding a Makerspace Blog Series! Today we will discuss how to use State Grants to fund a makerspace. At 1st Maker Space, we want to make it easy to create and sustain your makerspace by helping to navigate the educational funding jungle.
There are several grants provided through the Indiana Department of Education out of the State budget. These grants grew out of a recognition that STEM, Digital Learning, and High Ability are areas within education that need extra funding support to be successful and ultimately move the economy forward. We are a state the moves, grows, and makes things, after all! #HoosierMakers
Today we will feature three specific state grants: Digital Learning Grant, High Ability Grant, and STEM Acceleration Grant. These grants can be used in different ways to create a makerspace or to purchase maker equipment, professional development, and curriculum that provides a rich educational experience for students. @EducateIN
Digital Learning Grants
The State of Indiana supports Digital Learning Grants through the Office of eLearning. These competitive grants allow districts across the State to ask for funds to support vetted STEM curriculum, devices for coding and computer science, project-based learning, and professional development. Several schools have used these grants to plan for or implement a makerspace that includes equipment, professional development, and curriculum. Learn more about Digital Learning Grants on the IDOE website. @INeLearn
High Ability Grants
The State of Indiana supports students high-achieving students through the competitive High Ability Grants. The High Ability Competitive Grant supports districts that have assessed their current high ability program implementation and are prepared to take the next steps to provide enhanced, advanced learning experiences for their high ability students (IDOE, 2019). 1st Maker Space provides many high-tech tools that can provide unique learning experiences for high ability students, including Dash and Dot robots, micro:bits, and 3D printers. For more information about High Ability Grants, please visit the IDOE website.
IDOE STEM Acceleration Grant Opportunity
The State of Indiana supports schools implementing STEM K-5 through the STEM Acceleration Grant. The next grant cycle will open in September of 2019. Many schools have used these grant funds to support a makerspace as a part of a comprehensive STEM program throughout a district. For more information, please visit the IDOE website.
Are you interested in using one or more of these funding streams to support a makerspace? I would be happy to help you write or edit a grant proposal.
Email me today for a FREE consultation at amber@1stmakerspace.com.
