Collaboration Between Educators and IT Specialists Can Transform Classroom Tech

Finding the right ed tech tools can help students and teachers focus, collaborate, and create. By redefining the relationship between IT departments and educators, a strong partnership prevails where effective communication and problem-solving fosters meaningful collaboration.

In this article, Bedston Burrell shares

  • how to implement effective two-way technology communication;
  • how IT teams can become problem-solvers; and
  • how to avoid tech fatigue.

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Most Popular Funding Opportunities Last Month

In the previous month, educators were looking for funding opportunities in the areas of arts, technology, academic achievement, and more. Check out which grants GetEdFunding educators viewed the most in August.

Discovery Research Prekindergarten-12

The Discovery Research Prekindergarten-12 program (DRK-12) seeks to significantly enhance the learning and teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by prekindergarten through grade 12 students and teachers, through research and development of innovative resources, models and tools. The intent of the program is to catalyze new approaches to STEM learning, develop students’ twenty first century STEM skills, and provide multiple pathways and resources in a variety of learning environments to study the learning process itself. Projects should be framed around fundamental research in STEM education and prior research and development efforts that provide theoretical and empirical justification for proposed projects.

Deadline: Full proposals are due November 8, 2023.

Classroom Grants

Classroom grants from the Association of American Educators (AAE) Foundation can be used for a variety of projects and materials, including but not limited to books, software, calculators, mathematics manipulatives, art supplies, audio-visual equipment, lab materials, and more. Funds must be used within one year of the application deadline.

Deadline: Applications are due March 1 and October 1, annually.

AIAA Foundation Classroom Grant Program

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) believes that one of the most significant means to inspire and advance the future of aerospace is to fund grants to meet the unmet and unfunded educational needs of students. The AIAA Foundation Classroom Grant program promotes aerospace education activities in classrooms from kindergarten through grade 12 that significantly influence student learning. Funds are considered for the following materials needed for an activity: classroom science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) demonstration kits; STEM software and supplies; mathematics manipulatives materials; and parts and supplies for robotics programs and for making flying objects.

Deadline: Applications are due September 30, 2023.

Education Grants, The Charles Lafitte Foundation

The Charles Lafitte Foundation (CLF) supports innovative and effective ways of helping people help themselves and others around them to achieve healthy, satisfying, and enriched lives. The foundation supports organizations working in four main areas: education, children’s advocacy, medical research and initiatives, and the arts. CLF helps individuals gain access to schools, from preschool through college, by issuing grants and taking an active role in exploring new approaches to education.

Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round.

Community Action Grants

AAUW (formerly American Association of University Women), through its Community Action Grants Program, provides funds for innovative programs that promote education and equity for women and girls. Recent grants funded experiences geared toward cultivating an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and career development, and obtaining undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Deadline: Applications are due November 15, 2023.

What K–12 Organizations Need to Combat Current Cyberthreats

As K–12 institutions continue to expand their digital footprints by adapting new technologies, concerns of ransomware attacks also continue to grow. In fact, according to SonicWall’s 2023 Cyber Threat Report, ransomware attacks were up 827 percent in 2022 for K–12 schools. How then do schools mitigate vulnerability?

In this article, Suchi Rudra shares how schools can safeguard against cyber threats by

  • using next-generation firewalls;
  • securing connections;
  • implementing incident response planning; and
  • automating daily cybersecurity tasks.

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Most Popular Funding Opportunities Last Month

In the previous month, educators were looking for funding opportunities in the areas of arts, technology, academic achievement, and more. Check out which grants GetEdFunding educators viewed the most in July.

Racial Equity in STEM Education

The National Science Foundation (NSF) supports bold, groundbreaking, and potentially transformative projects that advance the scholarship of racial equity and address systemic racism in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and workforce development. Contexts may include prekindergarten through grade 12; two- and four-year undergraduate and graduate institutions; municipal organizations; STEM workplaces; and informal STEM settings such as museums, community organizations, and media. Proposals should articulate a rigorous plan to generate and disseminate knowledge and evidence-based practice via fundamental or applied research led by or in authentic partnership with individuals and communities who experience inequities caused by systemic racism.

Deadline: Requests are due October 10, 2023.

SCA Grants

Sony Corporation of American and its operating companies offer funding to programs that support education and creative, artistic, technical, and scientific skills that are necessary for tomorrow’s workforce. Previous education grants have funded a wide range of environmental media teaching and research projects; meaningful environmental education events and programs; quality education programs for at-risk students; arts and arts education; equipment for educational nonprofits and academic institutions, including major colleges and universities across the country; youth mentoring educational program to teach students about workplace etiquette and various careers available in the technology and entertainment industries; and multiple other mentoring opportunities, including one-on-one, school-based, or in the workplace.

Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round.

HDR Foundation, Education Grants

The HDR Foundation has provided nearly $3 million in grants to nonprofit organizations located where HDR employees live and work in communities throughout the United States. Preference is given to discrete projects that show promise for lasting impact and projects that can be replicated or scaled. The foundation has three priority areas of focus: education, healthy communities, and environmental. Under the category of education, the foundation supports projects that focus on architecture, engineering, design, environmental science, and consulting and planning. Recent education-related grants have supported a high school robotics program; a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) academy; academic success programs for underserved middle school students; and hands-on STEM activities to increase youth interest in careers in technological, engineering, and scientific fields.

Deadline: Letters of Intent for large grants are accepted August 7 through August 29, 2023. Applications for large grants are accepted September 1 through September 25, 2023.

Toshiba America Grant Program for Science and Mathematics Educators

Toshiba America Foundation accepts applications from teachers who are passionate about making science and mathematics more engaging for their students. The foundation seeks to support teachers by providing funds to support classroom projects. The foundation strongly encourages projects planned and led by individual teachers or teams of teachers for their own classrooms. Successful projects tap into the natural curiosity of students, enable students to frame their own scientific questions, and incorporate the expertise of community partners. Applications must be for project-based learning.

Deadline: Deadlines vary based on grant amount.

Verizon Foundation, Education Grants

The Verizon Foundation grants education initiatives that support projects promoting digital skills development for kindergarten through grade 12 students and teachers. Examples include summer or afterschool programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); teacher professional development; and research on technology-infused pedagogy.

Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round.

5 Strategies to Lower Classroom Noise Pollution With or Without Technology

Zone Learn is designed for learners and built for schools. Students finally have a headset that’s made for them. With soft, comfortable ear pads that kids love, Zone Learn is designed for the deep, sustained learning that students need to excel in school. It’s specifically designed for smaller head sizes to meet the needs of young learners. And, it’s also durable enough to hold up against the activities of a typical school day. Learn more about your versatile ordering options today.


According to the World Health Organization, the volume of a classroom should be less than 35 decibels for good learning conditions. But today’s classrooms are much noisier. The average classroom today can be as loud as 77 decibels – that’s equivalent to the sound of a vacuum cleaner!

The rise in 1:1 device policies, new instructional methods and changing dynamics in the classroom make now a great time to evaluate how noise impacts students – and educators. Cutting noise pollution can help everyone in a classroom hear and be heard in ways that can also personalize learning. There are learning outcome advantages too. Students need instruction to be 15-20 decibels louder than background noise to support higher learning recovery rates. Headsets help students focus by removing those external distractions.

Educators looking for ways to lower noise pollution and keep students focused can try one or more of these tips, tools, and tactics.

Mute machines and devices

The technology and devices in and around learning environments in school or at home contribute to continuous background sounds. The beeps, buzzing, and whirring from these devices might seem par for the course, but they can distract students.

What to do

District and school leaders should factor in sound output when evaluating school equipment. Paying attention to noise levels as well as features that easily mute notifications and other sounds can help lower the overall classroom noise.

Provide microphones

Students need instruction amplified 15-20 decibels louder than background noise. Without that amplification, learning loss can occur. A microphone can help the teacher’s voice cut through classroom noise pollution.

What to do

The Yeti Microphone provides broadcast-quality sound to give educators confidence that students can clearly understand information and instructions.

Improve acoustics

Classrooms are often built to maximize space, but that’s often done at the cost of sound. In districts or schools, administrators and school leaders can help teachers modify classrooms to reduce the impact of noise. If teachers are leading classes in a remote or hybrid style, tip sheets can be created so teachers can set up personal spaces properly.

What to do

For both in-person and remote settings, adding rugs to bare floors, hanging curtains over windows, or putting soft materials like felt or cork on walls can improve the acoustics of a room and reduce noise.

Use an app

Apps are handy for many aspects of classroom management. That’s the case for reducing classroom noises as well. Educators can choose from a variety of paid and free apps to help manage classroom noise.

What to do

There are many available apps that measure and display noise levels. The visuals in the apps range from stoplights and bouncing balls to smiley faces so educators can choose what works for their classroom best.

Hand out headsets

By reducing background noise, headsets can help students differentiate between ambient noise and educational content they need to hear. They also make audio clearer. So whether students need to hear instructions from a teacher or educational technology, headsets, especially those designed to wear for extended periods of time, can help students hear with greater ease and less frustration throughout the school day.

What to do

The soft foam padded ear pads in Logitech Zone Learn create noise isolation and keep students comfortable. Plus, the headset has adjustable side arms to fit students’ heads.

Taking just a few of these steps can make a big difference in cutting noise pollution in schools and districts, while boosting focus and stamina among students.

Most Popular Funding Opportunities Last Month

In the previous month, educators were looking for funding opportunities in the areas of arts, technology, academic achievement, and more. Check out which grants GetEdFunding educators viewed the most in June.

Sony, SCA Grants

Sony Corporation of American and its operating companies offer funding to programs that support education and creative, artistic, technical, and scientific skills that are necessary for tomorrow’s workforce. Previous education grants have funded a wide range of environmental media teaching and research projects; meaningful environmental education events and programs; quality education programs for at-risk students; arts and arts education; equipment for educational nonprofits and academic institutions, including major colleges and universities across the country; youth mentoring educational program to teach students about workplace etiquette and various careers available in the technology and entertainment industries; and multiple other mentoring opportunities, including one-on-one, school-based, or in the workplace.

Deadline: Requests are accepted year-round.

National Science Foundation, Advancing Informal STEM Learning

The Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program is committed to funding research and practice, with continued focus on investigating a range of informal STEM learning (ISL) experiences and environments that make lifelong learning a reality. This Program seeks proposals that center equity and belonging, and further the well-being of individuals and communities who have historically been and continue to be excluded, underserved, or underrepresented, due to gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability status, neurodiversity, geographic location, and economic status, among others, as well as their intersections. The current solicitation encourages proposals from institutions and organizations that serve public audiences, and specifically focus on public engagement with and understanding of STEM, including community STEM; public participation in scientific research (PPSR); science communication; intergenerational STEM engagement; and STEM media.

Deadline: Proposals are due January 10, 2024.

Voya Foundation, Education Grants

The Voya Foundation supports nonprofit organizations addressing a variety of community needs and resources. The foundation maintains the following two giving priorities:
• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education: The foundation is committed to supporting and improving programs that help prepare youth for the twenty-first century workforce and provide experiential STEM learning opportunities for children in kindergarten through grade eight. Another priority is providing STEM training and education opportunities to current or aspiring kindergarten through grade 12 teachers.
• Financial literacy: The Voya Foundation is especially interested in programming that provides financial literacy curriculum to grades 9 through 12 students focused on navigating major financial milestones including student debt, credit, home ownership, financial products and services, financial capability, and family needs.

Deadline: Interested applicants must contact the foundation for application approval. Inquiries are accepted year-round.

National Science Foundation, Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST)

The Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program provides prekindergarten through grade 12 students and their teachers with equitable and inclusive access to robust, rigorous, and effective learning opportunities using technology integral to a high-quality formal and informal education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Deadline: Applications are due August 11, 2023.

The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation, Education Grants

The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation awards grants for education, with emphasis on organizations and programs that promote youth and address needs of young people who are underserved or underprivileged. Along with grants, the foundation awards scholarships for postsecondary vocational and educational institutions. Other areas of priority for grant funding include organizations and programs that improve technologies and other forms of support for people who are disabled or sick, and medical research. Grants are made for projects.

Deadline: Letters of Inquiry are accepted on a rolling basis.

Create a Strong Foundation for Your K–12 Classrooms of the Future

What do classrooms of the future entail and how do we build a plan to meet future demands? K–12 education is on the cusp of answering these questions and more as it moves away from traditional styles of teaching and learning to focus on educational technology and classroom innovation.

In this article, Alexandra Frost shares

  • find funding sources for classroom updates;
  • plan 1-to-1 programs;
  • prioritize investments and upgrades; and
  • build equity into conversations.

Read more

Most Popular Funding Opportunities Last Month

In the previous month, educators were looking for funding opportunities in the areas of arts, technology, academic achievement, and more. Check out which grants GetEdFunding educators viewed the most in May.

Halliburton Foundation Grants

The Halliburton Foundation accepts grant proposals from U.S. based nonprofit organizations that serve the following areas: education, health, and social services. Strong preference is given to organizations in areas where there is a significant presence of Halliburton employees and operations. Education grants focus on energy related subjects such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and literacy.

Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round.

Saxena Family Foundation Grants

The Saxena Family Foundation has a particular focus on initiatives that promote US science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and the empowerment of girls, female children, and young women so that they have equal rights later in life. The foundation focuses on empowerment programs to include economic, educational, and political empowerment of women through literacy programs, jobs, and life-skills training. Previous grantees have included schools, universities, and nonprofit organizations.

Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round.

Toshiba America Foundation Grants For Elementary Level Teachers (K-5)

The foundation offers grants to elementary-level teachers for projects that focus on innovative ideas for improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning in the classroom. Projects should have measurable outcomes and make learning fun for students.

Deadline: Applications are due October 1, annually.

K-12 Classroom Teacher Grant

The Society of Aviation and Flight Educators, Inc. (SAFE) is offering four grant awards designed to encourage kindergarten through grade 12 classroom teachers to incorporate aviation-themed lessons into their normal curriculum. Aviation and aerospace topics are the perfect adjunct for teaching science, mathematics, history, and art. Aviation and aerospace are topics that generate enthusiasm with all types of learners and all ages of students. Grants may be used to design an aviation-themed classroom unit or complete an aviation-themed project. Two grants are awarded to applicants for kindergarten through grade 7 and the other two grants are awarded to applicants for grades 8 through 12.

Deadline: Applications are due August 31, annually.

Youth Club Grants

The USA Track and Field Foundation seeks to support and expand high-quality programs that provide opportunities for youth athletes to compete in track and field events. Youth track clubs and programs from all areas of the United States may apply for financial assistance for programs that attract diverse ethnic and socioeconomic youth and promote character building; education; and healthy, drug-free behaviors. Funds may be used for equipment, uniforms, meet fees, facility rental, staff and volunteer training, and outreach.

Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round.

Without Supplemental Pandemic Funding, Digital Divide Risks Increase

The COVID-19 pandemic brought forth clarity on many pain points in education, especially with the digital divide. Many schools were still operating under a 19th century framework when the pandemic started, further exasperating the need for upgrades. Since 2020, $190 billion in federal funds have been distributed to help schools close the digital divide through updates and infrastructure. However, the challenge still remains of how schools can secure long-term funding to continue modernization efforts.

In this article, Ryan Petersen shares

  • the pandemic’s impact on the digital divide;
  • how schools are modernizing classrooms and infrastructure; and
  • the need for long-term funding solutions.

Read more

Most Popular Funding Opportunities Last Month

In the previous month, educators were looking for funding opportunities in the areas of arts, technology, academic achievement, and more. Check out which grants GetEdFunding educators viewed the most in April.

Early Childhood Education Grants

The Caplan Foundation for Early Childhood provides grants for innovative, creative projects and programs that significantly enhance the development, physical and mental health, safety, nutrition, education, and quality of life of children from birth through age seven. The foundation focuses its support in three areas: early childhood welfare, early childhood education and play, and parenting education. The foundation’s goal is to provide seed money for imaginative endeavors that address the needs of young children.

Deadline: Applications are due May 31, 2023.

Education Grants, I Could Do Great Things Foundation

I Could Do Great Things Foundation awards grants to help turn great ideas into a reality. Projects of any type will be considered and must have a charitable purpose and offer a fresh approach to the topic or need to be met. Priority is given to endeavors that relate to education, community, and Jewish causes.

Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Education Grants, Stanley W. Ekstrom Foundation

The Stanley W. Ekstrom Foundation awards grants for a variety of educational projects and programs with goals of improving education, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in local high schools and helping academically gifted students from financially challenged families to pursue higher education. Related areas of interest are support for women and children at risk and amateur athletics. Examples of previous grants include for “eco ambassadors” with a community garden, technology upgrades in classrooms, support for a charter school foundation, and school choirs.

Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST)

The Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program provides prekindergarten through grade 12 students and their teachers with equitable and inclusive access to robust, rigorous, and effective learning opportunities using technology integral to a high-quality formal and informal education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Deadline: Applications are due August 11, 2023.

NSHSS STEAM Educator Grants

The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) offers STEAM Educator Grants that support science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) activities; innovation; and classroom excellence. Grants may be used for supplies, materials, field trips, and other resources that enhance STEAM teaching and learning.

Deadline: Applications are due August 15, 2023.


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