July 16, 2024 – Natalie Beck of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation and Justin Hampton of DPS 61 joined Byers & Co to talk about awarding $12,350 of $30,000 in grants to schools for DEI initiatives. Listen to the podcast below.
Grant were earmarked for educators who are actively promoting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, or those who seek to broaden DEI outreach, in their classrooms and schools. Grants ranged from $500 to $3,000. Funds may be used for supplies, materials, field trips or other resources.
The first recipients of the grant include:
| Teacher | School | Role | Requested Funding | Program |
| Joslyn Keathley/Jennifer Robertson | Montessori Academy for Peace | 1st – 3rd grade teachers. | $1,550 | Families through the lens of DEI. |
| Megan Meyrick | American Dreamer STEM Academy | Parent liaison/Parent teacher organization lead | $1,800 | Connecting male community members with students. Reading program. |
| Rida Ellis | American Dreamer STEM Academy | Principal | $3,000 | HBCU College Visit – includes transportation for 150 middle school students, food and Six Flags experience |
| Temethia Joyner | Montessori Academy for Peace | Montessori Teacher | $3,000 | Enhancing diversity awareness through elementary student activities and experiences |
| Sara Nave | Maroa Forsyth MS | 8th grade English Teacher | $3,000 | Using a DEI lens to study the Harlem Renaissance. |
For educator interested in applying for any remaining funds, the applicant must be employed by a school in Macon, Piatt or Moultrie Counties and instructing K-12 students. Applicant must be a teacher, librarian or administrator, employed in a student-facing role where they work with students.
Application requirements:
- Project title: Provide a brief sentence to describe the theme or project focus.
- Project objectives/description: What are the DEI issues and topics the project will address.
- Project budget: Explanation of how grant funds will be utilized and amount of funding you are requesting.
- Biographical info: Applicant name, where they teach and contact information.
Applications can be submitted to nbeck@heartofillinois.org
Listen to the podcast now!
