October 29, 2024
Architecture Incorporated established a new annual grant program in 2021 in celebration of the firm's 45th anniversary. The intent of this grant is to award multiple worth K-12 educators with a combined total of $5,000 in funding to help their students thrive and succeed. We sought after out-of-the-box ideas of all sizes to address teachers' challenges and encourage ingenuity in education.
Things were done a little differently this year. Because we were inspired by two great grants, we knew we couldn't pick just one. We decided to award two grant winners the full amount of money they requested. We are ecstatic to award multiple teachers and schools with the grant and are excited to watch their ideas flourish.
We were very excited to receive 41 applications from across the region, many of which were very deserving so it was difficult to select the winners! To be eligible, the applicant must be a teacher in the state of South Dakota or within 100 miles of Sioux Falls or Rapid City. Grant applications can be for any amount up to $5,000. Grant materials can be used in a classroom, across a grade level, throughout a building, or district-wide, but cannot be for food.
Prior to judging, our committee removed the applicant's name and school district from the application to remove any bias. Grants were judged on the following criteria:
- Clearly and concisely written
- Enhances curriculum or teaching standards
- The need/rationale is explained
- There are clearly defined outcomes/benefits
- The requested grant funds are specified and supported
- It will have a positive impact on the community
- Are there other funding avenues available?
The winners highlighted below scored highly in all of the criteria listed above.
Reusable Set Designs
Hailey Meyer
Sioux Falls School District - Patrick Henry Middle School
Hailey Meyer put together a plan to provide sustainable solutions for set construction in school productions, enhancing their theater program. By utilizing reusable materials, Hailey is inspiring her students to foster creativity while promoting sustainable practices. Students will have the chance to collaborate on designing and customizing these sets, benefiting both their current productions and future students!
Ethnobotanical learning lab
Sean Binder Rapid City Alternative Academy
Sean Binder from the Rapid City Alternative Academy constructed a program to "...support hands-on learning across multiple subjects, including Native American Heritage, Native American Art, history, and sciences. Collaborating with Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings teachers and local community leaders, the garden will feature culturally significant plants," Sean shared. "All-weather signage will provide plant names in Lakota, scientific, and common formats, enhancing both cultural and scientific education."