Grant Application for
Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities
Mission Statement:
For 27 years, Groundwork has empowered people who want to be part of creating a better Michigan with innovative, local-based solutions that create a clean environment, strong economy, and healthy community.
Fiscal agent if applicant is not tax exempt:
Tax ID Number:
38-2314954
Contact First Name:
Contact Last Name:
Jen
Schaap
Address:
414 E Eighth St Suite 204, Traverse City, MI 49686
Phone Number:
(616) 856-1163
Project Name:
Farm-to-School Lesson Kit Library
Project start and end dates:
May 20, 2023
June 14, 2025
Amount Requested:
$
4000
Project Description:
Our project aims to support the education and development of K-5 students at Pellston Elementary School by providing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) lesson kits to teachers. These kits will contain engaging, hands-on lessons on topics of food and nutrition education, growing school gardens, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge. By incorporating these into the curriculum, teachers can educate students on career opportunities, educational and professional skills, and farm-to-school knowledge.
Each kit will include a physical and virtual binder with food and garden lessons that align with Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core math and literacy standards, as well as the required physical resources. Teachers will have access to additional resources to support their own professional development and facilitate student learning. Our project seeks to empower school staff to provide high-quality STEAM education to their students, while also supporting educators.
Goal of the Project
How many people will you reach?
215
What percentage are female?
52
If your program serves both males and females, how will Hestia funds specifically target women and girls?
Our program will serve all genders, but the Hestia funds will specifically target women and girls by providing them with opportunities to learn about and engage with farm-to-school topics through our lesson kits. We recognize that women and girls are often underrepresented in STEM and agricultural fields, and we want to break down the barriers that prevent them from participating in these areas.
We additionally recognize that the majority of teachers, school staff and food service professionals we collaborate with are women, and we will continue to prioritize their empowerment through this project. We will ensure that our lesson kits are designed to be inclusive and accessible, with a focus on empowering women and girls to take an active role in promoting healthful and sustainable food systems.
Moreover, we will be distributing these lesson kits to schools and communities in underserved areas, where women and girls may face additional barriers to accessing educational resources. By doing so, we hope to promote gender equity and empower women and girls to become advocates for sustainable agriculture, STEM, and educational excellence in their communities.
How are recipients identified or selected to receive services? Is financial need considered?
Recipients for our STEAM lesson kits are identified through a collaborative process with Pellston school staff. We work closely with school staff to identify classrooms and grade levels where the lesson kits will have the greatest impact and benefit for both students and teachers.
We prioritize classrooms and schools with a higher proportion of low-income students and those in underserved areas where educational resources may be limited. We make this a priority by partnering with FoodCorps, a non-profit whose food and garden educators serve solely in underserved communities and schools in which 50% or more students qualify for free and reduced lunch- which includes Pellston Public Schools.
Our goal is to provide equal access to high-quality educational resources that inspire and engage students in STEAM learning. By working closely with Pellston Elementary School staff, we can ensure that our lesson kits are distributed equitably and reach those who will benefit the most from them.
What do you hope to achieve? What difference will this make in the lives of women and girls?
How will this project meet Hestia's mission statement?
Our project aims to empower women and girls by providing Pellston Elementary School teachers with STEAM lesson kits that promote sustainable agriculture, lifelong food and nutrition skills and knowledge, and community engagement. By incorporating these hands-on, place-based lessons into their curriculum, teachers can provide students with educational and professional skills that will prepare them for future careers.
Our goal is to make a difference in the lives of women and girls by breaking down barriers to STEAM education and promoting gender equity. We believe that by empowering teachers to provide their students with engaging and relevant lessons, we can inspire a lifelong love of learning and promote positive social change for everyone involved.
Through this project, we hope to inspire a new generation of environmentally conscious and socially responsible citizens who will make a difference in their communities. By providing equitable access to high-quality educational resources, we aim to give all students the opportunity to succeed and thrive in STEAM fields.
How will you evaluate or measure your success:
We will measure our success by conducting pre- and post-program surveys with teachers and students to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to sustainable agriculture, STEAM, and community engagement. We will also collect feedback on the usability and effectiveness of the lesson kits.
In addition, we will track the number of lesson kits distributed and the number of teachers who incorporate the lessons into their curriculum. We will utilize teacher feedback and anecdotal evidence to monitor student engagement and participation in the lessons, as well as any changes in their academic performance or interest in STEAM topics.
Overall, our evaluation metrics will help us determine the impact of our program and identify areas for improvement.
Grant Project Budget Form
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