Student Enrichment Grants

 
 

It is our belief that supporting students in defining and pursuing their individual versions of success is one of the greatest legacies we can leave for our community and one of the most important things we can do to build a better future.

APPLY FOR A STUDENT GRANT OF UP TO $500

  • Students in grades 7 through 12 can apply for a grant of up to $500 to help cover the costs associated with certain educational activities and experiences such as leadership seminars, educational camps, community service projects, and more.

  • Seniors wishing to apply for a Student Enrichment Grant must meet one or both of the following criteria:

    • The proposed activity must take place during the school year.

    • In taking part in the proposed activity, the student must be representing the Maize School District.

  • Students must be enrolled in a Maize school and in good standing to be eligible for a Student Enrichment Grant.

  • Grants are available in three different categories. Students may only apply for one grant per cycle and must choose the category that best fits their proposed activity.

  • Limit one awarded grant per per student per school year.

Eligible Activities

  • Activities must aim to enhance an applicant’s total learning experience and may include academic and/or leadership seminars, workshops, camps, or expeditions that promote science, arts, technology, leadership, and civic engagement, as well as community service and independent study projects and other learning opportunities.

  • The purpose of the activity may not conflict with the expectations or policies of the Maize School District and may not be political or religious in nature.

  • Dual credit classes, college tuition, ongoing lessons/classes, and “hobbies” are not eligible for Student Enrichment Grant funding.

Program Objectives

Supporting Student Success

Activities should provide opportunities for students to define their individual versions of success. The grant program is intended to encourage students to explore their passions through the lens of how these experiences might shape their future careers, help others, or otherwise engage them with their communities in different ways.

Student Skill Building

The application process in itself should be a learning experience. Students will gain skills in identifying opportunities and seeking funding to support them. They will learn about filling out grant applications and learn skills that will prepare them to fill out future scholarship, job, and grant applications (among others). They will learn about the process of both winning and losing, and the challenge of “trying again.”

 
 

If you have any questions about Student Enrichment Grants, please contact Emi Simmons at esimmons@usd266.com or 316-350-2029.

 
 
 

Grant Requirements and Expectations

  • Each applicant will be required to identify an educator in their building as a mentor for the application process. Students should complete their own applications and in their own words, but understandably can benefit from the support and guidance of a mentor.

  • While we encourage parent/guardian support and participation, students are expected to complete the application with their own words and thoughts to the best of their abilities. Along with the guidance and support of their mentors, students may also receive guidance and support from their parent/guardian.

  • Students who receive grant funding will be expected to create and deliver a report to the Maize Education Foundation Grants Committee upon completion of their grant experience. Please work with your mentor to determine what kind of report to create.

  • Grant funds are made available as a reimbursement once registration and payment for the activity have been verified. Alternative arrangements are possible on a case-by-case basis.

  • Parent/Guardian permission is required for all grant applications.

Mentor / Applicant Resources

  • Questions and Scoring Rubric: this document identifies the questions for each of the 3 grant categories along with a sense of how our reviewers will score applicant responses. Click here to view.

  • Program Overview: this document outlines our goals and objectives for the program and provides additional insight into what we are hoping this grant opportunity will offer students in our district. Click here to view.

Special Accommodations

  • Applicants in need of special accommodations should work with their mentor or someone in their building to determine what supports would be helpful.

  • Please contact Emi Simmons at esimmons@usd266.com if additional support is needed.

Maize Middle School student Emery Atchison visits the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC with the help of a Student Enrichment Grant.

 
 

Grant Categories

Leadership and Civic Engagement

Students should gain knowledge and/or experience in at least one of the following as a result of participating in the proposed activity:

  • Government

  • Leadership

  • Social Justice

  • Cultural Awareness

  • Collaboration

Examples of eligible activities:

  • StuCo Camp

  • Boys/Girls State

  • HOBY Seminar

  • KAY Leadership Camp’

  • Washington DC Trip

  • Debate Institute

Community Service

Students should gain knowledge and/or experience in at least one of the following as a result of participating in the proposed activity:

  • Health and Safety

  • Climate and Environment

  • Food Security

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Examples of eligible activities:

  • Tree Planting to Promote Clean Air and Provide Shade

  • Planting Flowers and Bushes for Bees and Pollinators

  • Little Free Library

  • Painting Crosswalks

  • Snack Closet for Peers and Neighbors

Education and Career Exploration

Students should gain knowledge and/or experience in at least one of the following as a result of participating in the proposed activity:

  • Career Options and Goals

  • New Technology

  • New Subjects/Areas of Study

  • Subject/Technology/Field of Study (not available in normal class/course offerings)

  • Employability Skills

  • Portfolio and Resume Building

Examples of eligible activities:

  • Journalism Convention

  • Space Camp

  • All American High School Film Festival

  • VEX World Robotics Competition

  • Summer Ballet Intensive

  • STEM Camp

  • Independent Study Project (requires pre-approval)

    • Independent Study Projects must include a clear objective such as a problem to be solved, a question to be answered, or a specific learning goal. The applicant must identify how they propose to report their learning and demonstrate completion of the objective.