Western Governors University (WGU) Missouri today announced the return of its “Fund My Classroom” initiative, issuing a call for K-12 teachers across the state to nominate their proposed classroom projects for the opportunity to receive full or partial funding.

Fully online, the nonprofit university is pledging up to $100,000 in grant money across four states for K-12 teachers who have innovative ideas that will further engage their students but require funding to help bring these ideas to life.

Teachers can submit their proposed projects online at wgu.edu/fundmyclassroom through April 14. Selected classroom projects will be announced during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8-12.

K-12 educators can request funding for any type of uniquely creative 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 the amount of funding needed and how the proposed project will benefit students. Both public and private school teachers are encouraged to submit applications. Teachers do not have to be WGU students or alumni to apply.

“When it comes to expanding classroom curriculum and employing state-of-the-art techniques to engage and challenge students, K-12 teachers are often limited by the costs associated with providing impactful educational learning,” said Regional Vice President of WGU Missouri Dr. Terrance Hopson.

“That’s why we are proud to once again offer ‘Fund My Classroom’ as a way to help make a difference in classrooms across the state and show appreciation for our teachers, who work tirelessly to educate young minds. We hope to be able to fund dozens of innovative projects that will play a role in setting up our children for success later in life.”

This is the fifth consecutive year WGU Missouri is making the “Fund My Classroom” initiative available for Missouri teachers. In the four previous years, the university has awarded more than $110,000 in grant funding toward 146 classroom projects in Missouri. The university hopes to continue to fund dozens of projects throughout Missouri, Illinois, Kansas and Minnesota this year.

Some of the classroom projects in Missouri that were funded last year through WGU’s “Fund My Classroom” initiative included the following for school districts:

• A community garden at Glasgow Elementary School in the Riverview Gardens School District in St. Louis, which provides second-grade students the chance to plan and maintain a garden and gain experience in sustainability, team building and community.

• A classroom cottage project at Diamond High School near Joplin, where special education students learn how to start and manage a small business and learn the basics of designing, producing, marketing and selling products.

• Air fryers and Instant Pots for use at Bronaugh R-7 School in Bronaugh, where consumer science students learn how to operate and utilize small kitchen appliances as part of their class’s cooking unit.

• Large-print books for K-8th grade students at Nell Holcomb School in Cape Girardeau, building on an effort to improve word recognition and reading comprehension among students.

• A new camera for yearbook students at Laura Speed Elliot Middle School in Boonville.

Anyone interested in nominating themselves, colleagues, family or friends can fill out the short application available at wgu.edu/fundmyclassroom.

Nominees must reside in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas or Minnesota.