Elevate Your School’s Security Posture as 2024 Approaches

Education systems are often highly targeted by cybercriminals because they hold numerous facets of sensitive data, from health information to Social Security numbers and mailing addresses to financial records. By taking proactive approaches to protecting data, schools can mitigate potential cyberattacks.

In this article, Anthony Cusimano shares

  • the importance of preventive measures;
  • how to build effective cybersecurity; and
  • the benefits of thoughtful data storage.

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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 October.

Education Grants, Chubb Charitable Foundation

The Chubb Charitable Foundation awards grants in its priority areas of education, addressing poverty and health, and the environment. Emphasis is given to clearly defined projects that solve problems with measurable and sustainable outcomes. Education initiatives include funding for higher education scholarships, tech career training, programs that prepare middle school students to attend high-quality high schools, teacher training, and other educational programs for learners of all ages, with attention to supporting equitable education and racial diversity and inclusion in the broader community

Deadline: Inquiry forms are accepted on a rolling basis.

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.

Build Strong Program Grants

TC Energy Corporation sponsors Build Strong Program Grants that support initiatives related to education and training, the environment, community, and safety. Priority areas include programs focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education; postsecondary training; workforce enablement; safety education and awareness; youth environmental education and awareness; and education-focused special events and conferences.

Deadline: Applications are accepted January through November, annually.

Education Grants, Change Happens Foundation

The Change Happens Foundation makes grants in the following areas:
• Science: research and education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
• Environment: programs focused on conservation, climate change, and sustainable energy.
• Education: ideas and practices to educate and prepare students for bright and rewarding futures.

Previous funded projects include a nutrition and cooking education program for school districts and a STEM education facility.

Deadline: Letters of Inquiry are accepted year-round.

The John Ben Snow Foundation and Memorial Trust Educational Grants

The Memorial Trust responds to the ever-changing needs of various segments of the population, especially to the needs of young people and people who are disadvantaged either physically, emotionally, or economically. Education is one of the primary funding areas, in addition to arts and culture, community development, environment, historic preservation, disabilities and universal access, and youth programs. Under the education program, support is given to organizations that provide educational opportunities or academic assistance to individuals who demonstrate an intellectual aptitude as well as financial need. Examples include scholarships, fellowships, academic counseling, literacy, and journalism.

Deadline: Letters of Inquiry are accepted November 1 through February 1, annually.

Technology Enables Collaboration on K–12 Student Projects

Facilitating thoughtful collaboration is a cornerstone of effective project-based learning. Whether utilizing screen-sharing tools, interactive displays, or platforms like Google Workspace for Education, learning rises to a whole new level when technology enables meaningful communication.

In this article, Rebecca Torchia shares

  • how technology boosts the power of project-based learning;
  • how real classrooms are utilizing tech-empowered projects; and
  • how educators can connect students around the world using tech tools.

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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 September.

Education Grants, Change Happens Foundation

The Change Happens Foundation makes grants in the following areas:
• Science: research and education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
• Environment: programs focused on conservation, climate change, and sustainable energy.
• Education: ideas and practices to educate and prepare students for bright and rewarding futures.

Previous funded projects include a nutrition and cooking education program for school districts and a STEM education facility.

Deadline: Letters of Inquiry are accepted year-round.

Thespian Growth & Excellence Fund Grants

The Educational Theatre Foundation awards Thespian Growth & Excellence Fund Grants to schools to develop and grow their theatre programs. There are six different types of grants available. Schools may apply for one Equipment Upgrade grant or any two other grants per year. The six grants include Equipment Upgrade, Teacher Support, Production Expenses, Theatre Expenses, Emergency Relief, and Membership.

Deadline: Applications are due October 20, 2023.

Grants for Good

Invest in Others provides grants to US nonprofit organizations through qualified members of the financial services industry, who apply for grants on behalf of organizations that they support. Grants may be for programs and projects, seed money, and capital improvements. Primary areas of interest include education and youth programs; arts and culture; health and wellness; hunger and poverty prevention; human services and economic development; and military and veterans services. Among restrictions, organizations that are US-based but serve populations outside of the United States may not receive grants through this program. Financial advisors that received a grant or were honored within the past five years cannot apply for a grant for the same organization but can apply for a different organization; honorable mention awardees may apply again for the same organization.

Deadline: Applications are due October 27, 2023.

Charitable Donations, McCormick & Company, Inc.

McCormick & Company, Inc. provides charitable donations to improve the quality of life where its employees live, work, and source. There are four priority funding areas: education, health and wellness, environment and habitat, and culture and the arts. Within the category of education, higher education and elementary and secondary schools are funded that have focused programs designed to prepare students for the workplace, serve students with special needs, and serve diverse communities.

Deadline: Requests are accepted year-round.

National Grants, Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation

The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation funds projects that help young people (defined as up to age 26) with disabilities develop the leadership and employment skills they need to succeed, particularly for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Programs must be national in scope or intended to be replicated nationally to be eligible for funding.

Deadline: Proposals are accepted July 15 through November 1, annually.

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.

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