Western Governors University (WGU) Missouri has issued a call for teachers from kindergarten to grade 12 to submit their innovative classroom projects for a chance to receive funding for them by April 18. 

The funding for the projects selected will come from the “Fund My Classroom” initiative, which aims to support teachers who want to expand their classroom curriculum to further engage students, but are limited by the costs associated with providing impactful educational learning.

WGU Missouri plans to award up to $125,000 in grant money to teachers across Missouri, Illinois and Kansas. Teachers can submit their proposals online at wgu.edu/fundmyclassroom for a chance to receive either full or partial funding for their projects. 

Educators from K-12 can request funding for any type of innovative classroom project they believe would provide an enriching classroom experience for their students – from books, supplies and equipment or technology to classroom experiences and field trips. 

To be considered, proposed projects must include a description detailing how much funding is needed and how the proposed project will benefit students. Both teachers of public and private schools are encouraged to apply.

“Over the last year, we have seen just how dedicated our teachers are to ensuring our children receive an enriching and fulfilling educational experience, and providing grant funding through this initiative to help make their classrooms more engaging for their students is just one way we can show our appreciation,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Chancellor of WGU Missouri. 

This is the third consecutive year WGU Missouri is making the “Fund My Classroom” initiative available to teachers in Missouri. In 2019, the university donated $10,000 to 15 schools across Missouri. Also in 2020, the school awarded a total of $15,000 in grant funding to 29 classroom projects in Missouri, Kansas and Illinois. 

Some previous projects funded through the “Fund My Classroom” initiative were the training of two therapy dogs at Royal Heights Elementary in Joplin, Mo., and the creation of a STEM Lab at Greenfield Elementary in Greenfield, Mo.