Educator Initiative Grants (Making STEM Strong)

Educator Initiative Grants (Making STEM Strong) is a grant from Educare Foundation that funds educators in Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS) to purchase equipment and resources that enhance STEM and STEAM learning experiences for K-12 students. The program supports hands-on, interdisciplinary coding and problem-solving activities using tools such as Indi Robots, Sphero Minis, and Dash Robots across all 10 elementary buildings.

Grants fund equipment and expert compensation but not staff salaries. Proposals that incorporate matching funds or community resources are viewed favorably. The application deadline for the 2025–26 school year is May 1, 2026, with School Board presentations no later than May 12, 2026.

Eligible applicants are educators employed within Mankato Area Public Schools.

Educator Initiative Grants – Educare Educator Initiative Grants Educator Initiative Grants Educare Foundation funds Educator Initiative Grants on an annual basis. The deadline for the Educator Initiative Grant Application for the 2025-26 school year will be May 1, 2026. Apply for an Educator Initiative Grant.

Educator Initiative Grant Schedule 2024-2025 No later than: May 12, 2026 School Board Presentation Making STEM Strong – This grant is for the purchase of equipment that will be used for developing coding experiences and STEAM activities for students. Indi Robots, Sphero Minis, and Dash Robots will help support MAPS STEM curriculum in all 10 elementary buildings.

These robots will be used to engage students in coding and problem solving in interdisciplinary lessons that target our life science, physical science, earth and space science standards. The robots will be used throughout the entire school year by all elementary STEM teachers and will be implemented across all grade levels.

Each Mankato Area Public School student participates in a weekly STEM time and this grant will allow students to experience hands-on problem solving from September to June. Cross-Country Skis for Elementary Physical Education – The Mankato Area Public Schools elementary physical education department provides a variety of activities focused on lifelong fitness.

Cross-country skiing is a favorite annual activity for many elementary schools. With new skis arriving next year, weather permitting, students at all Mankato elementary schools will learn how to use the equipment, navigate different snow conditions, create trails, and enjoy the cardiovascular benefits of skiing. These new skis will replace older, outdated models, making the experience easier and more enjoyable for students.

Yearbooks for All – “Yearbooks for All Students” presents an opportunity to leverage teaching and learning methodologies to actively involve students in the yearbook creation process. The program lays the groundwork for potentially integrating yearbook creation into the curriculum in forthcoming academic terms.

Students will be able to organize, supervise, and publish a yearbook that fairly, accurately and positively documents the events and people of the entire school year. Moreover, the creation of yearbooks serves as a creative avenue for students to apply and enhance their learning skills.

From collaborative teamwork in designing and compiling content to utilizing innovative thinking in presenting information, the yearbook project actively engages students in a practical application of their acquired skills within a real-world context. Earth Science Visual Planetarium Dome Project – The project will involve the installation of a GeoDome Globe in the space before you enter the planetarium.

The impact would reach all ninth grade students at Mankato East as well as District 77 elementary-aged students and West High School during visits. It would be utilized for after hour shows and specific public shows. 15,000+ students and people in the Mankato area.

The Indi Robot Initiative – Sphero Indi Learning Robot will help our youngest learners, explore the world of coding using colors and block coding. Students at this young age can start using this robot to learn and understand the block coding in the simplest form. Students k-5 at Franklin Elementary will be taught the fundamentals of computational thinking and the principles of computer science.

Tchouckball equipment – Tchouckball combines team handball and basketball. Pronounced “chuke-ball” it aligns with SHAPE America National Standards for Physical Education guidelines. Players throw the ball at the rebounding frames and the opposing team must catch it without it hitting the ground.

This equipment will provide an additional activity to teach catching, throwing, moving in open space, while allowing students to work cooperatively in a game while getting their heart rate up! The equipment would be implemented into our school immediately and would impact our 300+ students at Roosevelt Elementary.

Adventure ED – students with unique needs (SUN) to introduce students to outdoor adventures and experiences to foster confidence and stepping out of their comfort zone. These tents, sleeping bags, and outdoor equipment will help foster team building and generalize daily living skills and interdepended.

Podcasting in the Classroom for the agriculture department at East & West High Schools – Working in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Agricultural Communications Department to develop a supplies list and will partner with them for staff professional development and guest speakers.

Through our conversations with them, we will engage our students in the production cycle, including gaining information, networking, and eventually sharing the information. Students would be able to plan, record, and edit podcasts relating to agricultural topics. The agriculture department sees around 350 students each year and with this project, we would be able to utilize it in almost every class.

Go to our News page and get more details on the past Initiative Grants awarded over the years. Apply for an Educator Initiative Grant. Initiative Grant Application Initiative Grant Guidelines Helpful Hints for Writing Grant Proposals 1.

Grants may be used to compensate experts who come to work with students, but usually not to pay teachers or staff. 2. Proposals that incorporate matching funds or community resources will be looked on favorably.

(Students or PTA groups might raise matching funds, for example. Community organizations may donate needed equipment, services or free admission to events). Such contributions are a sign of commitment to the project and will multiply the effectiveness of the grant award.

3. Good ideas can be lost through poorly written proposals. Be specific in expressing your ideas and ask others to critique your proposal prior to sending the information to the review committee.