Program Overview
The RT Education Impact Grant Program is designed to support teachers, schools, and districts in creating innovative learning experiences, advancing financial literacy, and preparing students for future careers. Grants are awarded annually to projects that demonstrate creativity, impact, and alignment with community values.
Grant Categories
- Classroom Innovation Grants
- Purpose: Support teachers in implementing creative, student-centered projects that enhance engagement and learning.
- Examples: Makerspaces, robotics kits, arts-integration projects, STEM/STEAM initiatives.
- Funding Range: $500 - $2,500 per award.
- Evaluation Criteria:
- Innovation and creativity (30%)
- Student engagement and impact (30%)
- Feasibility and sustainability (20%)
- Clear budget justification (20%)
- Financial Literacy Champions
- Purpose: Empower teachers and schools to integrate personal finance education into the classroom.
- Examples: Student-run credit unions, financial literacy fairs, interactive curriculum development, field trips to the credit union.
- Funding Range: $500 - $5000 per award.
- Evaluation Criteria:
- Alignment with financial literacy outcomes (40%)
- Reach/number of students impacted (25%)
- Creativity in delivery (20%)
- Long-term benefit (15%)
- Student Career Readiness Partnerships
- Purpose: Prepare students for life after high school by supporting career exploration and skill-building programs.
- Examples: Career fairs, job shadowing, entrepreneurship bootcamps, resume & interview workshops, internship stipends.
- Funding Range: $500 - $5000 per award.
- Evaluation Criteria:
- Connection to career readiness goals (40%)
- Community and employer collaboration (25%)
- Number of students served (20%)
- Sustainability/replicability (15%)
Eligibility
- Teachers (PreK -12)
- School administrators
- School districts within the credit union’s field of membership
- Nonprofit partners working directly with schools
Application Process
- Application Window: Open once per year (October – December)
- Application Requirements:
- Project summary (250-500 words)
- Statement of need
- Implementation plan & timeline
- Budget breakdown
- Expected impact & evaluation plan
- Submission: Online application form on credit union website.
Selection & Award
- Review Committee: Made up of credit union staff and community volunteers.
- Scoring Rubric: Based on evaluation criteria for each category.
- Notification: Winners announced within 2-4 weeks of deadline.
- Recognition:
- Winners are highlighted in newsletters, website, and social media.
- Award ceremony during credit union’s annual meeting
Reporting & Impact
- Recipients submit a short Impact Story Report within 6 months:
- Photos/videos of project in action
- Briet outcomes summary
- Student/teacher testimonials
- Credit union uses these stories in marketing/community impact reports.
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