Grant Input

[LikeTheDeadSea, MSN, RN]

Hi friends,

I am able to apply for a grant to "create and implement innovative educational programs." In past years it looks like many of these have been STEM related, as we did not have STEM programs in the past so that was the "hot topic."
Grant amounts have been between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars.

I have a set Puberty curriculum, so that's not needed. This would be for elementary. Anyone have any luck in the past with this type of thing, or an idea of a health curriculum for younger grades?

["nursy", RN]

I recently did some classes to promote handwashing. I did it by having the students touch all area of the classrooms, then touch their fingertips to a culture medium so that microorganisms would grow. (and boy did they grow).

I set it up like a science project, teaching about "germs", what they are, different types, and how they spread disease. At the end, a demonstration of proper handwashing technique. I used very basic supplies, made up my own culture media nad used ice cube trays. But with grant money you could buy real supplies, proper culture media, petri dishes etc. The students loved it!

What is the demographic of your school and surrounding community? I would try to find something that you think your school population would specifically benefit from, that they might not find support elsewhere, and something that will also have an impact of the surrounding community.

So for example if you have an inner-city population where obesity and poor nutrition choices are common, some type of nutrition education that also reaches the greater community- perhaps a grant to fund a community health fair at your school, etc.