Who is eligible to apply?

SPPS teachers, paraprofessionals, and other licensed staff are eligible to apply.

• This program encourages first-time grant applicants and educators of color to apply
• A scoring bonus will be given to first-time grant applicants
• An applicant may only be responsible for or manage one ETGP grant per school year

Awardees of 2022 ETGP grants who have not completed their reporting slide are not eligible to participate in a team or individual application this cycle.

Funding may be used for

• Materials and other resources that increase student engagement and understanding of academic content
• Field trip expenses (admission fees or transportation)

Materials requested must be part of a curriculum plan.

All materials or goods purchased with award funds will become the property of SPPS. If you receive a grant and transfer to a different school, the grant funds and materials or goods purchased with grant funds stay with the school designated on the grant application.

Ecolab funds must not be used for

• Animal dissection supplies
• Furniture
• Projects that do not directly impact students
• Staff training
• Staff or substitute time
• Technology hardware (computers, laptops, computer hardware, Smart Boards)

The decision of what expenses are not allowable comes from Ecolab and is not negotiable.

If your project includes both allowed and unallowed expenses, please note in the budget and narrative where the funding for the unallowed expenses will come from.

Basics

The maximum grant amount for individual projects is $2,500. The maximum grant amount for team projects involving two or more educators is $7,500. Your requested funding must be supported by your budget.

Individual applicants may only submit one application. An individual applicant may also be part of (but not the lead on) a team application.

Only one application should be submitted for each team project.

It is advised that applicants consult with their principal or supervisor before applying.

Starting in 2023, ETGP applicants no longer have to complete a separate narrative form. A complete application will consist of two elements:

1. A Google Form that collects details on applicants, school demographics, project focus areas, and narrative content that describes the project and its intended outcomes
2. A detailed budget showing how funds will be used - to be linked in the application rather than uploaded

Getting Started

Your starting point is to open the checklist and save a copy on your own Google Drive.  This will walk you through the process and includes links to all required forms and many helpful resources. You can electronically check off tasks as they are completed.

Answer all questions and construct your narrative content in the Ecolab Questions document (linked in the checklist). This will serve as your backup. We recommend Google Docs for this as it plays nicely with the Google Form.

Assemble your budget.

Complete the Google Form application by copying and pasting from your Ecolab Questions Document. Make sure you have turned on link sharing for your budget, which will reside on your Google Drive.

Need help?

Check out the Applicant FAQ if you have general or process questions.

Contact us if you need assistance with project development at any stage in the process.  It's good to get help earlier so you aren't pressed for time near the deadline.

Deadline

Your application and all attachments must be submitted via the Google form by 6:00 PM on May 19, 2023. 

Award notifications will be sent to all applicants in August.

Review Process

Applications are reviewed by Ecolab staff, community members, and SPPS teachers, administrators and parents. Since this is a peer reviewed process, it is essential that the application not identify the applicant or school/program.

Reporting

Award recipients will be required to complete an end-of-year email survey reporting on the outcomes of funded projects and submit a PowerPoint slide highlighting those outcomes in order to be eligible to be considered for an award in the subsequent round of funding.

Communication

Grants Office staff will contact applicants:

• On receipt of application
• If there are problems (technical or content) with an application
• When the review process starts and ends
• When awards are issued
• In the event of any delays in the process compared to the timeline

Proposed projects must align with at least one of the SPPS Achieves strategic plan's strategic focus areas or long-term student outcomes.

Strategic Focus Areas

Positive School and District Culture
Create a shared sense of community to build trust and collaboration within and outside our schools.

Effective and Culturally Relevant Instruction
Provide instruction in ways that are relevant to each student so they stay engaged and feel valued in the classroom.

Program Evaluation and Resource Allocation

Evaluate effectiveness of current programs and make informed adjustments and investments.

College and Career Paths
Expose students to more college and career opportunities, including the ability to earn college credit, certifications and internships.

Family and Community Engagement
Ensure equitable access to families so they can navigate the school system and the wealth of programs it offers.

Long-term Student Outcomes

• Decrease disparities in achievement based on race, ethnicity, culture and identity
• Increase achievement of English learners
• Increase achievement of students receiving special education services
• Improve kindergarten readiness
• Increase academic growth in reading and math for all students
• Prepare all graduates for college, career and life