Western Governors University Awards more than $3,000 in Grant Funding

Western Governors University (WGU) recently announced it has awarded $3,041 in grant funding to teachers across the state, funding their innovative classroom projects that foster learning in new, unique ways. The grants are made possible through WGU’s “Fund My Classroom” initiative, and a total of five classroom projects in Kansas were selected for funding.

Projects that received funding through the university’s grant initiative include:

• Eight new auto-darkening welding helmets, which will be used to improve visibility, precision and protection during the welding process for engineering technology students at Horton High School in USD 430.

• Alternative seating options to create a welcoming and inclusive space for 7th and 8th grade art students at Perry-Lecompton Middle School in Perry.
• New literature and classic novels – including 80 copies of I Survived The Sinking Of The Titanic, 1912, by Lauren Tarshis, and Judy Moody Was in a Mood, by Megan McDonald, exposing students to different genres, diverse characters and thought-provoking themes at Jay Shideler Elementary School in Topeka, part of Auburn-Washburn USD #437.
• Sensory items – including hand fidgets, bouncy bands for chairs and alternative seating options – to add to a special education classroom sensory library at Woodrow Wilson Elementary in Manhattan, part of USD 383.
• Readers in Spanish for students taking two newly approved Spanish for Spanish Speakers courses that support Spanish language learning at Manhattan High School – West in Manhattan, part of USD 383.

WGU issued a call in March for K-12 teachers to submit their project ideas on the university’s website by April 14 for the opportunity to receive full or partial funding. Most grants were awarded during Teacher Appreciation Week, which ran May 8-12.

“We received so many great nominations this year, and we are thrilled to be able to fund dozens of innovative projects that will play a role in setting up our children for success later in life,” said Dr. Terrance Hopson, Regional Vice President of Western Governors University. “K-12 teachers are often limited by the costs associated with providing impactful educational learning and end up spending money out of their own pockets. The ‘Fund My Classroom’ initiative is an opportunity for us to help make a difference in classrooms across the state and show appreciation for our teachers, who work tirelessly to educate young minds.”

To learn more about the “Fund My Classroom” initiative and the work WGU is doing to help teachers advance their careers, visit www.wgu.edu.