Innovation Circles Grant 2.0

Building on the success of our inaugural grants specifically for FFT Fellows, we are excited to launch our second year of $1,500 Innovation Circle Grants. Based on Fellow feedback, we refined this year’s Circle topics and decreased the number of Fellows per circle to enhance interactivity and collaboration.

Applications for 2022 Innovation Circle Grants open on Thursday, February 10 and are due by March 17. Fellows chosen to participate will be notified by April 27, with orientation meetings and the initial two group meetings taking place virtually in May.

See how FFT Fellow Joey Cumagen used his Innovation Circle Grant to “Highlight Humanity.”

Innovation Circle Grants are designed to provide Fellows with the funds and structure to design solutions that meet your unique students’ needs. First independently through self-designed summer learning experiences, then collaboratively with peers in the fall, this grant asks you to lead student-centered change in your classroom. This year’s Innovation Circle Grant topics include: Building Student Self-Awareness, Learning Partnerships, Student Agency, and Student Civic Engagement. 

Need some more encouragement to apply?

• “Receiving specific feedback on my innovation from experienced teacher-leaders was a crucial part of my fellowship experience. Each circle member became deeply familiar with the projects and progress of every other participant.” Gary Casity, Jr. – White Plains, NY
• “My meetings with my small group particularly helped me refine my ideas and get from ‘I have no sense of what to do’ to having a real plan.” Cassi Clausen – Mission Viejo, CA
• “It was amazing working with other teachers across the United States. With all the expectations placed upon teachers, we often do not take the time to reflect with other educators or even by ourselves. I was able to hear first-hand how other educators were addressing similar problems and meeting the needs of their students.” Cheryl Heldt – Las Vegas, NV

When asked in this podcast why Fellows should take advantage of an Innovation Circle Grant, Marci Addy (who participated in last year’s Social Emotional Learning Circle said:

“I did this for myself. Sometimes we do a lot of things for our students. But when I do something for myself, my students benefit from that. Shift the focus from “It’s work” to “This is for me. I care about this. I’ve been wanting to do this and here’s this amazing organization that is going to pay for it and give me money for materials. Take care of yourself. Do the thing that inspires you. Set that goal (of joining a Circle) and meet it. It’s the best thing they can do.”

Start your application today here. Or, if you are interested in leading a circle, read more about the position and compensation, here.