Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett announced Indiana’s first-ever Innovation Fund competition. Schools, districts, charters, non-profits and other entities are invited to apply for a portion of $5 million ($2.5 million for each year of the current state budget biennium) to help improve students’ academic performance through creative, effective and sustainable programs. The state legislature created the fund in the 2011- 2013 biennial state budget.
“If Indiana is serious about educating children in the 21st century, we must support and encourage innovation in our schools,” Bennett said. “This competition accomplishes that goal by providing financial awards to our most forward-thinking local districts and other entities to help them implement or expand successful programs for students.”
Applicants must present an approach that addresses educator effectiveness, college and career readiness, and/or school improvement. Applications are not limited to new programs and may include established programs that are expanding or diversifying. The amount granted to winning schools and entities will depend on several factors, including the number of winning applicants, the size of proposed innovations, application quality, and the potential effect of grant funding on student performance.
Applicants may apply for a one- or two-year grant. An applicant may not request more than $500,000 per year for each of two years. Winners may not receive the full amount requested. If awarded a two-year grant, continued funding will be contingent on meeting first-year grant goals. Each application will be scored by multiple trained reviewers, including IDOE staff and/or outside experts.
Complete applications must be submitted by November 10, 2011. Winners will be announced by the end of the year.
Applications for Innovation Fund grants are available at: www.doe.in.gov/news/2011/10-October/innovation_fund.html.
