In a bid to bolster educational innovation and excellence within the White House Area, the White House Area Chamber of Commerce has announced they are now accepting applications for educator grants for the 2024- 2025 school year.

These grants, a key component of the Chamber's Education Initiative, award teachers with money to use for special projects in their classrooms or school sponsored clubs. The White House Area Chamber has generously funded over $10,000 towards this cause over the past 4 years.

Mandy Christenson, President of the White House Area Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the importance of these grants in a statement, saying, "At the Chamber we want our teachers to have the opportunity to give their students the best experience in the classroom without impacting their own pocketbooks. We're probably not going to eliminate this with our grants, but if we can lessen it or allow teachers to dream bigger, then maybe we're making a difference in their lives which in turn is making a difference in the lives of countless students.”

The Chamber's Education Initiative is dedicated to fostering innovative educational opportunities and enhancing workforce development within local school systems. Part of this initiative includes the Educator Innovation and Enhancement Grants, which are awarded annually to K-12 public or private school teachers in the White House Area.

Mandy emphasized the Chamber's commitment to empowering educators, stating, "I'm personally blessed to have several teachers as friends, and I know that sometimes they can feel like they are on an island. I hope that our grant program shows they have an ally in the community, that we are ready to stand alongside them, work to bridge gaps and offer support in a variety of ways, only one of which is financial.”

The application process for the 2024 Educator Grants is currently open, with a submission deadline set for May 30, 2024, at 4 PM. Interested educators are encouraged to submit their proposals via email, in person, or by mail. 

Before submission, applicants must review their proposals with their school principal, as principal approval is mandatory. Additionally, proposals must meet a minimum score of 80 on the Chamber's scoring rubric for funding consideration. Recipients who have received grant funding for the 2022/2023 or 2023/2024 school year will not be eligible to apply.

Recipients of the Educator Innovation and Enhancement Awards will be notified by July 10, 2024, and may be invited to present their projects at a Chamber function in the fall of the same year, providing an opportunity to showcase their initiatives to the community and Chamber members.

Continued support will be provided to award recipients, with follow-up and progress reports requested four to six months after receiving the grant funding.

For inquiries or further information, educators are encouraged to reach out to the White House Area Chamber of Commerce via email or phone, and more information can be found online on their website.

The White House Area Chamber of Commerce remains steadfast in its dedication to advancing education and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence within the White House Area schools. Through initiatives like the Educator Grants, they continue to make a tangible impact on the educational landscape, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.