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VAST Mini-Grant for Teaching
The purpose of the VAST Mini-grant program is to provide seed money for innovative curriculum activities which expand learning opportunities for science students. Team applications are welcome, however one person must be designated as the Project Director. The Project Director must be a member of VAST (dues paid for 2023), must have taught at the elementary or secondary level for a minimum of three years, and must be currently employed as a teacher.
Awardees will be selected by a committee appointed by the VAST President. The committee will be looking for projects that will directly impact student learning in the science classroom. The committee will also evaluate the originality, creativity and cost effectiveness of the proposals. Ideally, the projects that are funded will provide the students with new experiences and make possible new scientific investigations. Preference will be given to persons who have not received prior VAST Mini-grant awards. The selection committee may elect to not make an award if the proposals do not meet the stated criteria. It is anticipated that most awards will be made in the range of $200-$500.
Mini-grant funds may be spent for supplies, equipment, printing, and other materials essential to the project. Mini-grant funds are not intended for student travel (field trips) or for the personal remuneration of the grant recipients. All materials will become the property of the school/school system in which the Project Director is employed at the time the grant is awarded.
If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Sandy Pace, awards@vast.orgDue Date: September 30.
To apply: Click here to download the application to submit by email. (preferred)
Click here to go to the Google form.
TACT Mini Grant to Enhance Teaching of Chemistry
The Tidewater Alliance of Chemistry Teachers (TACT) was founded in 1975 and it actively served the needs of area chemistry teachers for 37 years. When it ceased to exist in 2012, the organization made an endowment to VAST with the stipulation that the monies would continue to be used to promote the teaching of chemistry within Virginia. This mini-grant offering is funded by their generous endowment.
The purpose of the TACT Mini-grant is to provide seed money for innovative curriculum activities which expand chemistry learning opportunities for students. Team applications are welcome, however one person must be designated as the Project Director. The Project Director must be a member of VAST (dues up to date), must have taught (K-12) for a minimum of three years, and must be currently employed as a teacher. Recipients will be selected by a committee appointed by the VAST President. The committee will be looking for projects that will directly impact chemistry learning (K-12). The committee will also evaluate the originality, creativity and cost effectiveness of the proposals. One, or more, grants totaling $1,500 will be awarded. Ideally, the projects that are funded will provide the students with new experiences and make possible new scientific investigations. Proposals that include student hands-on activities are preferred. Preference will be given to persons who have not received prior TACT Mini-grant award.
Mini-grant funds may be spent for supplies, equipment, printing, and other materials essential to the project. Mini-grant funds may be used for student travel as long as less than 50% of the grant is designated for this purpose. Funds may not be used for the personal remuneration of the grant recipients. All materials will become the property of the school/school system in which the Project Director is employed at the time the grant is awarded.
Due date: September 30.
To apply: Click here to download the pdf application to submit by email. (preferred)
Click here to complete online.
Shirley Sypolt Memorial Grant in Elementary Education
The Virginia Association of Science Teachers recognizes one of their own by establishing "The Shirley Sypolt Memorial Grant in Elementary Education." Shirley Sypolt cared deeply for not only her colleagues, but especially for her students. She delighted in helping them identify their hidden talents not only in elementary school, but also beyond into their careers. Shirley was a strong advocate of elementary education and instilled this passion for science and research in every student she touched. She taught at Cooper Elementary in Hampton, Virginia for 26 years. She was a tireless worker with VAST for over 20 years. During her lifetime, she received awards and recognition for her capacity to instill the love of science in others. It is these characteristics that we seek as applicants for the Shirley Sypolt Elementary Education Grant.
Mini-grant funds may be spent for supplies, equipment, printing, and other materials essential to the project. Mini-grant funds are not intended for student travel (field trips) or for the personal remuneration of the grant recipients. All materials will become the property of the school/school system in which the Project Director is employed at the time the grant is awarded.
Applicants must be a member of VAST.
The VAST Awards and Mini grants committee appointed by the VAST President will select the grant recipient.
Awardees will be recognized at the November VAST PDI. They will receive a $400 grant.
Applications are due by September 30 of the current calendar year.
Click here to download the application to submit by email.