2024 Catapult Grants for Educators in Missouri and Illinois

The Catapult Grant, offered by the Innovative Technology Education Fund (ITEF), is designed to empower educators in Illinois and Missouri to foster innovation in teaching and student learning by addressing fundamental technology and infrastructure needs. This grant directly aligns with ITEF's mission to advance innovative technology in education, providing essential resources to schools and districts that, despite a desire for innovation, lack the basic technological foundation to implement it. By focusing on critical technological infrastructure, ITEF aims to bridge the digital divide in education, enabling a more dynamic and effective learning environment for students in underserved areas. The primary beneficiaries of the Catapult Grant are educators and schools in qualifying zip codes within ITEF's service area in Illinois and Missouri. The program targets institutions and teachers who demonstrate a strong desire to integrate innovative teaching and learning methodologies but are hampered by a lack of basic technology or technological infrastructure, such as servers and devices. The impact goal is to enhance educational equity by providing the necessary tools to facilitate innovative pedagogical approaches, ultimately improving student engagement and learning outcomes. The grant prioritizes funding for basic equipment and/or technology, with a cap of $30,000.00 per grant. This focus ensures that schools can acquire the foundational technology required to support advanced educational practices. The program specifically excludes teachers who have previously received an ITEF Innovator grant, ensuring that new applicants and schools with pressing basic technology needs are given priority. This strategic allocation of funds aims to maximize the reach and impact of the grant, supporting a broader range of schools in their journey towards technological integration and educational innovation. Expected outcomes include an increase in the adoption of innovative teaching and learning strategies within participating schools and districts. By providing essential technological tools, the Catapult Grant anticipates measurable results such as improved access to digital learning resources, enhanced student-teacher interaction through technology, and the development of a more technologically literate student body. The ITEF's strategic priority is to cultivate environments where innovation can thrive, and the Catapult Grant serves as a crucial mechanism in their theory of change, which posits that by addressing fundamental technological barriers, they can catalyse significant advancements in educational quality and opportunity across the region.