Title VI Grants: A Source for Educational Funding

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If you're looking for a source of funding for projects, consider Title VI Innovative Program Strategies grants. Known as the "mortar between the bricks," Title VI provides a steady source of funding support for teachers. Read on to find out how to apply for this grant.

Each September, the federal government provides Title VI funding for school districts. Teachers submit mini-grant proposals to their district offices. As long as the proposals meet district and Title VI requirements, teachers will be awarded funds.

Title VI proposals must fit into one of the following areas:

• professional development training programs on effective use of computer technology and software
• programs for the acquisition and use of instructional materials, including library services and materials
• education reform projects
• programs to improve critical thinking skills of disadvantaged K-12 students and to prevent students from dropping out of school
• programs to combat student illiteracy
  
• programs for gifted and talented students
• programs tied to the Goals 2000: Educate America Act
• school improvement programs

Many school districts sponsor grant-writing workshops to assist teachers in applying for these funds. Some districts invite teachers to serve on the review board to read other proposals.

One teacher who has received Title VI for the last five years, curriculum and iIntegration specialist Connie Hendrix, says she finds that Title VI grants are much easier to get than other grants and are tailor-made for technology projects.

"I wasted a lot of time going for the big national grants that were very competitive," Hendrix says. "It's hard for individual teachers to compete against school districts for these large grants. Title VI grants are far less competitive. Plus there are people available in the school district to help me with them."