PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — As previously announced, the Calvert County School Foundation is accepting applications for the Innovative Learning Opportunities grant. The deadline to apply is July 1, 2025, and the maximum award is $3,000.
The grant is now entering its eighth year and has a unique goal to create learning opportunities for students that aren’t otherwise part of a school budget. Foundation grants have helped implement programs over the years that have proved highly popular with students, teachers and parents. School foundations, and the grants they provide, are an exciting tool for educators.
Melissa Carnes, president of the Calvert County School Foundation, called working on the grant a “privilege” and encouraged anyone eligible with a good idea to apply.
“We have so many educators that are truly extraordinary, and we have businesses and citizens who are passionate about supporting our school system beyond tax dollars. Being able to connect these two is a rewarding experience for our foundation board members. And most importantly, the positive impact on students has been outstanding,” Carnes said in an emailed statement.
Educational experts believe that service learning and hands-on learning keep students more engaged and teach them practical skills to complement their academic abilities. Maryland requires students to complete service learning projects, and students report overall positive experiences.
Since its founding in 2017, the grant has funded book programs and libraries, coaching training, water safety programming, classroom supplies and equipment for interactive learning and sensory experiences, gardening projects, STEM program activities, CPR training programs for students, inspirational posters and mural creation, and much more.
Carnes noted that grant courses and events can sometimes serve as pilot programs that become part of the regular schedule.
One example is the Finance Fair, where students visited and interacted with a variety of local business representatives who conducted an activity of earning, spending and saving money. Students received a checkbook register and a mock paycheck, then spoke with businesses on topics from mortgage, to insurance, to essential services such as haircuts and more.
This hands-on approach educated students about earning money, meeting basic needs and creating strategies to spend wisely and have funds for saving. The fair was so successful that business owners expressed interest in sponsoring it in the future.
Teachers and staff should send detailed proposals that bring new educational content to the curriculum in unique and engaging ways, and focus on student impact. In the past, teachers have brought ideas to the table that they’ve seen successfully implemented in other schools.
The chief aim of innovative learning is to bring awareness to new programs and give students opportunities they might otherwise not receive — and community members like Carnes are finding ways to bring them to life. Or as she calls it, “being the bridge between great ideas and funding.”
All Calvert school employees, as well as community members working alongside CCPS staff, are welcome to submit proposals to the grant. Questions about the grant process can be directed to foundation@calvertnet.k12.md.us, and applications can be sent to grossm@calvert.k12.md.us.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com