Kempthorne Calls for Educators' Innovative Grant Applications

KEMPTHORNE CALLS FOR EDUCATORS' INNOVATIVE GRANT APPLICATIONS

Governor Dirk Kempthorne today called for all Idaho educators to file their applications for the Governor's Innovative Grant for the 2005-2006 school year.

The Governor's Innovative Grant is awarded to teachers who go the extra mile to incorporate creative ideas in their day-to-day classroom activities. This year $85,000 is available, which will fund 170 grants at $500 each.

"I encourage you to think outside of the box," Kempthorne said. "This is a great opportunity to enhance the classroom experience and I challenge educators to get those applications in as soon as possible."

Last year, the grants funded projects like the creation of a Parent Night Literary Program, the use of a space mission control simulator to teach science, and the writing and production of a bilingual newspaper, which received its own media attention from The Times News in Twin Falls, and USA Today.

"Ideas such as these generate excitement and enthusiasm for teachers and students," Kempthorne said. "I am anxious to see the new and exciting ideas that materialize for this upcoming school year."

To apply for the grant, teachers need to submit a one-page proposal describing their innovative idea and outline how grant money will be spent. The proposal must be postmarked or received by the Governor's Office on or before Friday, September 16.

For more information on the Governor's Innovative Grant call Parra Byron at 334-2100 or visit the Governor's website at http://gov.idaho.gov/.

http://gov.idaho.gov/mediacenter/press/pr05/prmay05/Pr_042.htm