The Arkansas Community Foundation will start accepting proposals Friday, July 1, for the Science Initiative for Middle Schools (SIMS) grant.
Science teachers in grades 5–8 can receive up to $500 in classroom materials for hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) instructions.
Lawrence Fikes, executive director of the the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation, said a local committee will review all proposals from area teachers and select which ones to fund.
Public school teachers throughout Jefferson County directly served by the community foundation are eligible to apply and the goal is to accept as many local teachers as possible, according to a news release.
Teachers will complete an online application and select the science materials needed for their project and explain how supplies will be used to teach STEM skills. Once a project is approved, DonorsChoose will ship materials to teachers at their schools.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Annual funding for this program is made possible by an endowed gift to the Arkansas Community Foundation from the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation.
This is the final year for teachers to participate. Proposals will be accepted July 1 through Sept. 15. Winners will be notified in November.
Teachers can apply through DonorosChoose.org and a link will be available at www.arcf.org/sims